News
NASA’s SLS Moon rocket almost aces vital prelaunch test on 7th try
Following several incomplete attempts in April, June, August, and September, NASA’s first Space Launch System (SLS) Moon rocket has almost aced a vital prelaunch test on the seventh try.
NASA says that “all objectives were met” during the ten-hour test, which wrapped up around 4:30 pm EDT (20:30 UTC) on Wednesday, September 21st. Despite the rocket running into multiple additional issues, some old and others new, the agency was confident enough in the preliminary results of the wet dress rehearsal (WDR) – deemed a “cryogenic demonstration test” – to reaffirm that it’s still working towards a third launch attempt as early as September 27th.
That launch date is not set in stone, but NASA also hasn’t ruled out the window after the latest round of SLS testing. The agency will host a press conference on Friday, September 23rd, to provide its final decision and offer more details about the seventh wet dress rehearsal.
Despite NASA’s apparent confidence after the test, which was admittedly smoother than most previous SLS tests at the launch pad, it was far from smooth. The immediate story of the “cryogenic demonstration test” dates back to the SLS Artemis I rocket’s second so-called “launch attempt” on September 3rd. During that attempt, the launch was aborted well before SLS was ready when NASA detected a major hydrogen fuel leak around one of the quick-disconnect umbilical panels that fuels and drains the rocket. Remote troubleshooting was unable to solve the problem, forcing NASA to stand down.
Over the last few weeks, teams inspected, tested, and repaired the faulty Tail Service Mast Umbilical (TSMU), preparing for a cryogenic proof test meant to verify that the issue was fixed. During that September 21st test, the TSMU still leaked significantly for the whole duration, but it did so more predictably and – unlike prior leaks – never violated the limits that would trigger a launch abort.
But near the end, a different umbilical panel developed a significant hydrogen leak that did violate those launch constraints, meaning that NASA would have likely had to stand down yet again if it had attempted to launch before completing additional testing. The test was completed successfully, but its goals and constraints were not the same as those facing a launch.
A NASA-developed rocket leaking hydrogen is unfortunately a tale as old as time. That the agency that struggled with hydrogen leaks throughout the 30-year career of the Space Shuttle appears to be just as flabbergasted by nearly identical problems on a new rocket – SLS – that has Shuttle ‘heritage’ on almost every square inch is not surprising, even if it is somewhat embarassing.
Liquid hydrogen fuel always has been and likely always will be a massive pain to manage in any rocket, but especially in a large rocket. As the smallest element in the universe, it is fundamentally leak-prone. Combined with the fact that it only remains liquid below the extraordinarily low temperature of -253°C (-423°F), generates ultra-flammable hydrogen gas as it continually attempts to warm to a more stable temperature, and naturally embrittles most metals, it’s an engineering nightmare by almost every measure.
For all that pain, hydrogen does provide rocket engineers exceptional efficiency when properly exploited, but even that positive aspect is often diminished by hydrogen’s ultra-low density. For rocket stages that have already reached orbit, hydrogen-oxygen propellant offers unbeatable efficiency. But for a rocket stage that will never be used in orbit, like the SLS core stage, hydrogen fuel is rarely worth the tradeoffs – a reality that SLS is unfortunately providing a strong reminder of.
Demonstrating the Groundhog Day-esque nature of NASA rockets and hydrogen leaks, the same leaky TSMU panel that aborted SLS’ September 3rd launch attempt (sixth WDR) and had to be fixed and retested on September 21st also caused a hydrogen leak that partially aborted the rocket’s third wet dress rehearsal attempt in April 2022. NASA then rolled the rocket back to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB), where workers spent almost two months inspecting and reworking the fuel TSMU and fixing other issues. During its first test (WDR #4) after rolling back to the pad in June, the same fuel TSMU leaked and NASA had to return the rocket to the VAB again to fix the problem.
The fuel TSMU then leaked on the SLS rocket’s first launch attempt (really WDR #5), but the problem was resolved and was not what caused NASA to stand down. It was, however, a primary reason behind NASA’s second aborted launch attempt (WDR #6). With any luck, the eighth time will be the charm.
Cybertruck
Tesla ditches key Cybertruck charging feature for very obvious reason
“Wireless charging something as far off the ground as the [Cybertruck] is silly.”
Tesla is officially ditching the development of a key Cybertruck charging feature, and the reason is very obvious, all things considered.
The Cybertruck is among the most unique vehicles available on the market, and, like all Tesla vehicles, it has continued to improve through Over-the-Air software updates that enhance performance, safety, and other technological features.
However, the development of some features, while great on paper, turns out to be more difficult than expected. One of these features is the presence of wireless charging on the all-electric pickup, a capability Tesla has been working to integrate across its entire vehicle lineup.
Tesla wireless charging patent revealed ahead of Robotaxi unveiling event
Most people who have used wireless charging for their phones or other devices have realized it is not as effective as plugging into a cord or cable. This is even relevant with Tesla vehicles, as the introduction of wireless charging for smartphones within the vehicles has been a nice feature, but not as impactful as many would hope.
It’s not necessarily Tesla’s fault, either. Wireless charging is a complex technology because much of the energy intended to be transferred to the phone is lost through heat.
Instead of the energy being stored in the battery, it is lost on the outside of the phone, which is why it becomes warm to the touch after sitting on a charging mat.
This is something that Tesla is likely trying to resolve with its vehicles before rolling out inductive charging to owners. The company has confirmed that it is working on a wireless charging solution, but it has yet to be released.
However, this feature will not be coming to the Cybertruck. Wes Morrill, the Cybertruck’s lead engineer, said that the vehicle’s height makes wireless charging “silly,” according to Not a Tesla App:
“Wireless charging something as far off the ground as the CT is silly.”
This is something that could impact future vehicle designs; the Cybertruck might not be the only higher-ground clearance vehicle Tesla plans to offer to customers. Therefore, being transparent about a design’s capabilities, or even developing technology that would enable this, would be useful to potential buyers.
At this point, wireless charging seems like it would be more advantageous for home charging than anything.
Due to its current inefficiency, it would likely be a great way to enable seamless charging in a garage or residential parking space, rather than something like a public charger where people are looking to plug and go in as little time as possible.
News
Tesla China’s new six-seat Model Y L already sold out through October
New Tesla Model Y L orders now show an estimated delivery date of November 2025 at the earliest.
Tesla’s new Model Y L is sold out for October in China, with new orders showing an estimated delivery date of November 2025 at the earliest.
The extended-wheelbase variant, launched in August and first delivered this month, has quickly become one of Tesla’s strongest-selling vehicles in its key overseas market.
Demand and expectations
Tesla China initially positioned the Model Y L for September deliveries, with Vice President Grace Tao confirming on Weibo that the vehicle would begin reaching customers this September. True to that promise, the first handovers of the vehicle started last week. Since its launch, the six-seat crossover has sold out its September and October allocations, hinting at healthy demand.
Industry estimates suggested that Tesla received more than 35,000 orders for the Model Y L on launch day alone. While some Model Y L orders may overlap with those of the standard Model Y, industry watchers have noted that the six-seat, extended wheelbase variant is expanding the company’s total addressable market by appealing to car buyers who need more space and seating.
Tesla China boost
The Model Y L’s strong momentum is significant as Tesla navigates a competitive Chinese EV sector. With deliveries now stretching into November, the new crossover could potentially lift Tesla’s quarterly sales performance and help maintain its relevance in a market dominated by fast-moving domestic brands.
Beyond China, the extended-wheelbase Model Y L may also serve as a strategic export product for markets where larger family vehicles are in demand. Its early sellout performance suggests that Tesla has tapped into a new growth lever within its most successful vehicle lineup. With a starting price of RMB 339,000 ($47,180), after all, the Model Y L has the makings of a true bang-for-the-buck vehicle.
News
Tesla targets Bay Area airports as next step for Robotaxi rollout
The update was initially reported by Politico, which cited records that it reportedly obtained.
Tesla has expressed interest in operating its Robotaxi ride-hailing service in three of Silicon Valley’s busiest airports, as per the company’s communications with California regulators.
The update was initially reported by Politico, which cited records that it reportedly obtained.
Key Robotaxi battleground
As per the publication, Casey Blaine, Tesla’s senior regulatory counsel, informed regulators in California that the electric vehicle maker was “initiating engagement with the following airports to secure the necessary approvals to conduct pick-ups/drop-offs: San Francisco International Airport, San Jose Mineta International Airport, and Oakland International Airport.”
High-traffic airports have long been a focal point for autonomous vehicle firms like Waymo, which recently secured permits to operate in San Jose and is progressing in San Francisco after a lengthy battle with labor groups. By pursuing airport access, Tesla seems to be hinting that it wants a share of the same market. Regulators confirmed that Tesla has opened discussions with each Bay Area airport, though no permits have been granted yet.
Regulator visit
California’s Public Utilities Commission, the state’s primary ride-hailing regulator, has reportedly engaged directly with Tesla in recent months. Agency officials reportedly visited Tesla’s Palo Alto offices to learn more about the company’s ride-hailing program and its technology. Agency spokesperson Terrie Prosper shared some insights about the matter.
“CPUC staff are aware of Tesla’s recently expanded Bay Area charter-party carrier service and associated app. As for any charter-party carrier regulated by the CPUC, staff engages to exchange information, promote safety, and monitor compliance with applicable rules and regulations. Among other things, we appreciate and expect Tesla and all carriers to properly and clearly represent its service to the public,” Proper noted.
Tesla has already allowed Bay Area riders to book trips through its Robotaxi app, which launched to select customers in July before opening publicly in September. Videos posted online show Tesla’s driverless cars are still operating with safety drivers, though Musk has suggested that the service could be fully driverless by the end of the year.
Tesla ditches key Cybertruck charging feature for very obvious reason
Tesla China’s new six-seat Model Y L already sold out through October
Tesla targets Bay Area airports as next step for Robotaxi rollout
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