""Last evening, the team was unable to get helium flow through the vehicle. This occurred during a routine operation to repressurize the system," Isaacman wrote. Another molecule, another problem Helium is used to purge the upper stage engine and pressurize its propellant tanks. The rocket is in a "safe configuration," with a backup system providing purge air to the upper stage, NASA said in a statement."
"NASA officials are not sure yet whether the helium issue Friday was caused by a similar valve failure, a problem with an umbilical interface between the rocket and the launch tower, or a fault with a filter, according to Isaacman. In any case, technicians are unable to reach the problem area with the rocket at the launch pad. Inside the VAB, ground teams will extend work platforms around the rocket to provide physical access to the upper stage and its associated umbilical connections."
The SLS upper stage helium system experienced a loss of helium flow during Artemis II countdown rehearsals after previously performing well. Helium purges the upper-stage engine and pressurizes propellant tanks; a backup system currently provides purge air and the vehicle is in a safe configuration. Engineers noted a similar Artemis I failure traced to a failed check valve and are evaluating whether the current cause is a valve, an umbilical interface, or a filter fault. Technicians cannot access the problem at the pad, so the rocket will roll back to the VAB for platform access and repairs while managers aim to preserve the April launch window pending data and repair outcomes.
Read at Ars Technica
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