Antares Rocket test goes smoothly, officials say

Officials from NASA Wallops Island say the first full-power test of the upgraded Antares rocket showed some initial signs of full success.

The new rocket RD-181 main engines underwent a fire test around 5:30 PM Tuesday at Virginia Space’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport Pad 0A.

Officials say the primary goal of this test was to observe how well the new upgrades in the engines, modified Stage 1 core, avionics, thrust vector control and pad fueling systems worked in an operational environment.

Keith Kohler from NASA Wallops Island says the Antares engineering team will review data from the test over the next two weeks in efforts to confirm that all parameters were met.

Once that happens, Orbital ATK can resume cargo resupply missions to the International Space Station. That next liftoff from the Wallops Flight Facility is scheduled for July, which is usually subject to change based on weather conditions.

“Early indications show the upgraded propulsion system, core stage and launch complex all worked together as planned,” said Mike Pinkston, Orbital ATK General Manager and Vice President, Antares Program. “Congratulations to the combined NASA, Orbital ATK and Virginia Space team on a successful test.”

NASA some operational milestones were reached Tuesday, including full propellant loading sequence, launch countdown and engine ignition and shut down commands, as well as multiple throttle settings including full engine power.

Additionally, Koehler adds that the launch pad seemed to have passed requirements Tuesday, including propellant tanking and the use of the water deluge system to protect the pad from damage and suppress noise.