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SpaceHold or recycle to T-10

Something comes up inside the terminal count. What you can do depends on the clock: hold and wait, hold and resume, or send the count back to T-10 minutes and try again. You read the clock and make the call with the rules NASA used for Artemis II.

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Scenarios

  • An issue appears at T-6 minutes.
  • A short hold is needed at T-3 minutes.
  • The fix will take more than 3 minutes and the clock is at T-2 minutes.
  • The clock stops at T-1 minute, before the automated launch sequencer takes over.

The steps

  1. Note the time on the clock when the issue appears.
  2. At T-6 minutes: hold there for the rest of the launch window, less the 6 minutes needed to launch, without recycling to T-10.
  3. Between T-6 minutes and T-1 minute 30 seconds: hold for up to 3 minutes and resume the clock to launch.
  4. If that hold needs more than 3 minutes: recycle the count back to T-10.
  5. After T-1 minute 30 seconds and before the automated launch sequencer takes over: recycle to T-10 to try again, only if enough launch window is left.
  6. After the handover to the automated launch sequencer: an issue that stops the count ends the launch attempt for that day.
  7. After a recycle, control the hazards of the vehicle and return the vehicle, its stages and the site facilities to a safe condition.

Safety rules that stop the station

  • A hold longer than 3 minutes between T-6 minutes and T-1 minute 30 seconds recycles the count to T-10.
  • No recycle after T-1 minute 30 seconds without enough launch window left.
  • After the automated launch sequencer takes over, a stop ends the attempt for the day.

To pass

  • The right call for the time on the clock: hold, hold and resume, recycle or end the attempt.
  • No hold between T-6 minutes and T-1 minute 30 seconds goes past 3 minutes without recycling.
  • After a recycle, the vehicle and the site back to a safe condition.

Official source

NASA · Artemis II launch day · 14 CFR 450.189

Artemis II Launch Day Updates

NASA publishes its Artemis II launch day updates free: when the team can hold, when it recycles to T-10 and when the attempt ends for the day.

Making Synapses is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by NASA, the FAA, the Canadian Space Agency or any launch provider. Agency, mission and program names are named only to describe the content.

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