IMAGE: Mobile Launcher On the Move to Launch Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center

By  //  October 13, 2020

in preparation for Artemis I

The mobile launcher is approaching Launch Pad 39B for additional operations in preparation for Artemis I at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Tuesday, Oct. 20. (NASA image)

(NASA) – The mobile launcher is approaching Launch Pad 39B for additional operations in preparation for Artemis I at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Tuesday, Oct. 20.

NASA’s Exploration Ground Systems (EGS) is taking advantage of the available time before stacking operations begin and will roll the mobile launcher out to pad 39B to practice tasks ahead of wet dress rehearsal and launch next year.

EGS and contractor Jacobs teams will take the mobile launcher atop crawler-transporter 2 to the pad to conduct a timing demonstration of activities that occur late in the launch countdown.

Practicing laser alignment with targets on the mobile launcher, rehearsing a timely completion of removing platforms used to access SLS core stage engines, and positioning both side flame deflectors and extensible columns is critical to support an on-time launch.

These tasks have been rehearsed individually; the additional time allows the team to simulate the sequence altogether.

While at the pad, the team also will complete a thorough top to bottom washdown, removing any FOD, or foreign object debris, as an added safety measure in addition to the walk downs performed prior to launch.

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