RESUMPTION OF ARTEMIS I WET DRESS REHEARSAL, Apr 4, 2022

Update, April 3:  NASA has decided to resume the test tomorrow, April 4, with fueling expected to commence at 7:00 am ET.

Original Entry:  NASA intended to complete the Wet Dress Rehearsal test for the Artemis I launch today, April 3, 2022, but a problem developed and they had to scrub. The test involves fueling the Space Launch System rocket (hence “wet”) and conducting practice countdowns, but not actually launching it.

NASA is not providing live coverage of the test. The only information is what they post on the Artemis blog or on Twitter.  According to those sources, they were unable to pressurize the mobile launcher because of a problem with the fans needed to keep out hazardous gases, creating a safety issue.

As of 12:30 pm ET Sunday, NASA is assessing the situation and has not decided when to resume the test.

Wet dress rehearsal is scrubbed for today. We are unable to provide positive pressure to the enclosed areas within the mobile launcher and keep out hazardous gases. Technicians are unable to safely proceed with loading without this capability. Looking at a 24 hr turnaround.-JP

— NASA’s Exploration Ground Systems (@NASAGroundSys) April 3, 2022

For safety, we’ve stopped the #Artemis I wet dress rehearsal. Teams are meeting now to assess next steps. We are looking at Monday, April 4 as the next opportunity to resume operations, and will have a media briefing later today. Check here for updates. https://t.co/pweviGRjwg

— NASA (@NASA) April 3, 2022