NASA’s Artemis II mission, the first crewed flyby of the Moon in more than 50 years, will not launch in March as previously hoped, the agency announced Saturday. The delay stems from a newly detected issue with helium flow to the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, according to NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman.
“We will begin preparations for rollback, and this will take the March launch window out of consideration,” Isaacman stated in a post on social media. The SLS requires a consistent flow of helium to purge its engines and pressurize fuel tanks, making the issue a critical impediment to launch.
The announcement follows a series of tests and preparations for the Artemis II mission, which aims to send astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen on a 10-day journey around the Moon and back. The mission is a crucial step toward establishing a sustained human presence on the Moon and, preparing for crewed missions to Mars.
NASA had recently completed a “wet dress rehearsal” on February 19th, simulating the launch countdown and fueling process. The rehearsal reached T-29 seconds before being concluded as planned, according to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. However, the latest issue with helium flow emerged after further data analysis following the test.
The agency is now preparing to roll the SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft back to the Vehicle Assembly Building at the Kennedy Space Center for investigation and repair. Isaacman indicated that potential causes include a faulty filter, valve, or connection plate within the helium flow system. A similar issue was observed during preparations for the Artemis I mission, the uncrewed test flight that took place in November 2022 after multiple delays.
The delay places the next launch opportunity in early or late April, though NASA has not yet specified a firm target date. The setback comes as China continues to advance its own lunar exploration program, with plans for a crewed mission by 2030. China’s uncrewed Chang’e 7 mission is scheduled for launch in 2026 to explore the Moon’s south pole, and testing of its crewed spacecraft, Mengzhou, is also underway this year.
The Artemis program has faced numerous challenges and postponements since its inception. The Artemis I mission experienced multiple delays and two failed launch attempts before successfully launching in 2022. The current delay underscores the complexities and risks inherent in large-scale space exploration endeavors.
NASA will hold a media briefing in the coming days to provide a more detailed assessment of the issue and outline the path forward, Isaacman said.
