"Based on what I've heard from the technical team today, what we need to do is continue to pore over the data and polish up our plan on putting the flight rationale together," he said.
During Monday's launch attempt, readings showed that one of the four main engines in the rocket's core stage could not be chilled sufficiently before the planned ignition at liftoff. It appeared to be as much as 40 degrees Fahrenheit (5C) warmer than the desired minus-420 degrees Fahrenheit (minus-250C), the temperature of the hydrogen fuel, according to Honeycutt. The three other engines came up just a little short.
All of the engines appear to be fine, according to Honeycutt.
The chilling operation will be conducted a half-hour earlier for Saturday afternoon's launch attempt, once fuelling begins that morning. Honeycutt said the timing of this engine chill down was earlier during successful testing last year, and so performing it sooner may do the trick.
Honeycutt also questioned the integrity of one engine sensor, saying it might have provided inaccurate data Monday. To change that sensor, he noted, would mean hauling the rocket back into the hangar, resulting in weeks of delay.
Already years behind schedule, the US$4.1 billion ($6.67b) test flight is the opening shot in Nasa's Artemis moon-exploration programme, named after the twin sister of Apollo in Greek mythology. Astronauts could strap in as soon as 2024 for a lap around the moon and actually attempt a lunar landing in 2025.
- AP
