At approximately 11:25 a.m. EST, the Artemis launch director, in coordination with the mission management team chair, gave the “go” to begin loading cryogenic liquid propellant into the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket for wet dress rehearsal. While teams continue to monitor cold weather that would impact launch day, they are not tracking weather constraints to Monday’s tanking operations.
NASA teams have completed final preparations and closeouts of the umbilicals connecting the mobile launcher to the SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft. The umbilicals provide power, communications, and fuel to different parts of the rocket and spacecraft, while additional accessories provide stabilization. During launch, each umbilical releases from its connection point, allowing the rocket and spacecraft to lift off safely.
Teams will begin slowly filling cryogenic propellant into the rocket beginning at L-9 hours 25 minutes in the countdown. Liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen will flow into the rocket’s core stage and interim cryogenic propulsion stage tanks, topped off and replenished as some cryogenic propellant boils off. The team will also conduct leak checks to ensure loading proceeds as expected.
A 24/7 live stream of the rocket at the pad remains online, as well as a separate feed to capture wet dress activities.
