NASA homes in on likely redesign to fix Orion spacecraft’s leaky valves

In the midst of the Artemis II mission, NASA is addressing a minor yet significant issue with the Orion spacecraft's propulsion system. While the mission has largely progressed smoothly, aside from challenges with the onboard toilet and waste management system, ground controllers have made adjustments to the flight schedule as the astronauts make their way back to Earth following a close encounter with the Moon earlier this week. Initially, the four astronauts aboard the Orion spacecraft, designated 'Integrity', were set to engage in a manual piloting demonstration. However, mission managers opted to cancel this demonstration in favor of conducting an additional test related to a helium gas leak. This helium is crucial for moving propellant through the spacecraft's systems that feed its rocket engines, explained Jeff Radigan, NASA’s lead flight director for Artemis II. The leak, identified in the helium pressure supply linked to the oxidizer side, is contained within the system and does not vent to space. "We must thoroughly understand this leak to determine if any future modifications are necessary," Radigan noted. The valves involved are part of the European-built service module, which will detach from Orion just prior to the spacecraft’s atmospheric reentry. As the mission progresses, the crew, including astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen, is expected to safely splash down in the Pacific Ocean. While the helium leak has been a point of focus, it has not hindered the performance of the propulsion system thus far, with all maneuvers executed as planned, according to Radigan.