Jeremy Parsons

The pre-existing liquid hydrogen tank at Kennedy Space Center, which holds roughly 50% less LH2 than the planned storage tank.Photo: NASA/Ben SmegelskyPreparations for the crewed Artemis 2 trip to the Moon are in full swing, with NASA rolling-out various fixes, upgrades, and new technologies to support the mission, which could happen as soon as 2024. Among the more exciting developments are a gigantic new hydrogen fuel tank and an updated escape system that harkens back to the Space Shuttle era.Artemis 2, the sequel to…

SLS at Launch Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center, Florida. Photo: NASAAfter replacing faulty seals that resulted in the second scrubbed SLS launch attempt on September 3, NASA is ready to proceed with a full-scale cryogenic tanking test of its megarocket on Wednesday, which you can watch live right here. The tanking test starts bright and early on Wednesday, September 21, with the launch director expected to get the ball rolling at around 7:00 a.m. (all times Eastern). Should everything go smoothly, the test will conclude at…

SLS on the launchpad at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo: NASAA serious and unmanageable hydrogen leak prevented NASA from launching its SLS rocket on Saturday. Teams continue to evaluate the reason for the second failed launch attempt, but NASA says the rocket will have to return to the Vehicle Assembly Building to undergo safety checks.For rocket scientists, hydrogen is an important propellant, but it’s also a serious pain in the ass. It’s the tiniest molecule in the universe, and as such, it has a propensity to…