Updates Artemis Program Updates & Discussions

[richfororbit]

So it will go ahead, but only two missions.

 

[GLS]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1924831359253549230

 

[GLS]

Oh, that is not good...
Ignition @ 2:24:35
Observation @ 2:26:28

 

[GLS]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1938308200660668546

Half of the aft skirt seems to also be gone

 

[GLS]

@ 22:15

 

[Urwumpe]

Looks like a burn-through in the flexible part of the rocket motor followed by a throat blow-out, shortly before regular staging would happen.

So, not good, not terrible.

 

[GLS]

TVC Power is disabled
What TVC?

 

[Urwumpe]

TVC Power is disabled
What TVC?

It could still be there.... its work has just become easier.

 

[GLS]

Looks like a burn-through in the flexible part of the rocket motor followed by a throat blow-out, shortly before regular staging would happen.

So, not good, not terrible.

Any bets on what went... first:

• the famous nozzle-to-case joint
• the flexible part of the nozzle
• the hard part of the nozzle

I'd bet on one of the last 2, as it happened towards the end, and those parts erode during the burn.

 

[Urwumpe]

Any bets on what went... first:

• the famous nozzle-to-case joint
• the flexible part of the nozzle
• the hard part of the nozzle

I'd bet on one of the last 2, as it happened towards the end, and those parts erode during the burn.

There is a stream of exhaust gases coming out on the top side of motor around 5 seconds before final failure (22:10 in the NASA Stream), which seems to expand well in both up and down directions, before the structure completely fails, so I would rather say the first two options are closer. I would say it failed somethere close to what is labelled Nozzle Inlet Assembly in the detail drawing at the upper right here:

 

[GLS]

I would say it failed somethere close to what is labelled Nozzle Inlet Assembly in the detail drawing at the upper right here:

That is the flexible part, but the throat is right next to it... Plus, there are many joints in there, and it all erodes somewhat during the burn.

 

[Urwumpe]

Yes, but it held for quite a long time after the initial failure, so we can at least say, that it didn't happen right at a structural weak point. Also, it was a sudden failure that ended it after 6 seconds of more or less constant fast erosion. I think somewhere near Joint 5 could be a good point for the initial failure. It opens a direct path to the outside, but also impinges on parts that hold the nozzle in place. Also it could explain a localized leak for such a long time.

Also possible could be outboard of the fixed housing, at the aft end of the case, but I would expect a more progressive failure there, with the initial leak rapidly growing in circumference around the rocket motor.

 

[GLS]

WOW

https://twitter.com/x/status/1938342841195040888

 

[Urwumpe]

So, at least one more small explosion before the final one and the damage extended along the aft skirt.... Wow.

 

[GLS]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1945492783198068986

 

[Urwumpe]

Might not look impressive, but could actually be the result of serious engineering...

 

[Thunder Chicken]

Might not look impressive, but could actually be the result of serious engineering...

But it's for Artemis IV. Hasn't funding been cut for all missions after III (which still needs a functioning StarShip HLS lander)?

 

[Urwumpe]

But it's for Artemis IV. Hasn't funding been cut for all missions after III (which still needs a functioning StarShip HLS lander)?

Then its at least scrapped as Artemis IV part. Isn't that the kind of decision that makes America great?

 

[richfororbit]

So NASA will launch the next mission next year with the four Astronauts, that is the current plan.

 

[jedidia]

So the thing is only flying for the second time ever, and they're going to put 4 people in it already? That seems an uncharacteristic risk for Nasa...