Everything was going according to plan at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The NASA team was rehearsing for the 49-hour long launch countdown. Scientists hoped that four astronauts would be sent to the Moon in early February. But as soon as the process of refueling the rocket started, liquid hydrogen started showing its old game. Investigation revealed that the fuel filling system was once again leaking. After this, NASA had to take a hasty decision to postpone the launch.
Hydrogen fuel becomes a problem
Hydrogen, the smallest element in the universe, has become the biggest headache for NASA. It is so small that it can easily slip out of even the smallest scratch or loose seal. John Honeycutt, chairman of NASA’s Artemis-2 mission management team, admitted that the leak surprised him. The team thoroughly tested every valve and seal of the rocket, but the coordination between the rocket and ground systems is so complex that even the smallest mistake could jeopardize the entire mission.
Memories of Artemis-1 refreshed
This is not the first time hydrogen has stood in NASA’s way. Even when the unmanned ‘Artemis-1’ mission was to be launched in the year 2022, frequent hydrogen leaks had kept the mission stuck for several months. Florida’s humidity and frequently changing temperatures add to the challenges for hydrogen systems. Although the previous mission was successful, this time the matter is different because there will be humans inside the rocket.
Despite so many problems, why only hydrogen?
Now the question arises that when hydrogen creates so much trouble, why does NASA not stop using it? The answer lies in its amazing potential. A mixture of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen is used in the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket. It is the most powerful and effective fuel in the world. When this fuel burns, it produces such tremendous force (thrust) that it can push the heavy rocket out of the Earth’s gravity and reach the Moon. In simple language, hydrogen is the only option for high mileage and unmatched power with less fuel.
What is Artemis-2 mission?
Artemis II is a NASA mission in which for the first time four astronauts will return after circling the Moon’s orbit. Now preparations are underway to launch the mission in March. Astronaut safety is top priority for NASA. While there is scope for some risk in an unmanned mission, scientists do not want to take even 1% risk in a manned mission. The slightest problem with the fuel system could mean grounding the mission until the problem is corrected.
