In the meantime, the space agency is still working on a list of things to get accomplished before sending Artemis I on its way.
NASA still has to fix a small hydrogen leak. And needs to pass the critical fueling “bleed test” which failed in engine 3 at the second launch attempt.
The Space Force oversees the Eastern Range area where Florida rocket launches take place.
And perhaps most urgent they need a critical waiver from the U.S. Space Force. Without securing a critical safety system waiver there will be no launch this month. Getting the waiver to extend the time frame for FTS testing would avoid weeks of delays that would push 1 launch into October.
NASA is required to test the SLS batteries on the Flight Termination System (FTS) every 25 days. The FTS system is designed to destroy the rocket if it veers off course during launch and poses a threat to people on the ground.
These tests would require the massive moon-rocket to leave the launch pad and roll back to its hangar. This would mean at least 3 additional weeks till launch.
