NASA has revealed yet another postponement for the launch of Artemis II, the crewed lunar flyby mission, now aiming for an April launch window. Originally scheduled for March 6, the agency cited a rocket-related issue as the cause for the delay. Administrator Jared Isaacman detailed the problem as a disruption in helium flow within the Space Launch System’s interim cryogenic propulsion stage, essential for engine purging and pressurizing fuel tanks. This system had functioned correctly during two previous dress rehearsals but encountered failures during normal operations.
As a result of this issue, repairs at the Vehicle Assembly Building are required, ruling out any possibility of a March launch. The rocket is being taken back to the hangar. “This setback is disappointing to many, especially our diligent NASA team,” Isaacman shared on X. “Similar to the 1960s, our journey is filled with challenges.”
Can Artemis II move forward in April? NASA is accelerating preparations to ensure this window remains feasible, contingent on further data and scheduling modifications.
Artemis II was initially set to launch between February 6 and 11, but minor hydrogen leaks and technical issues surfaced during its wet dress rehearsal, prompting a reassessment of astronaut safety and a subsequent launch delay. A successful second rehearsal on February 19 indicated no leaks, with 700,000 gallons of liquid propellant loaded and hydrogen levels managed, enhancing engineer confidence.
A follow-up press conference confirmed a tentative liftoff date of March 6, but on February 20, helium flow complications arose again, resembling issues from Artemis I. Isaacman proposed potential causes such as a faulty filter, valve, or connector.
Isaacman noted, “Expectations are high considering the resources utilized, and Artemis intends to exceed Apollo.” Once launched, Orion will achieve a distance record beyond any manned spacecraft, exceeding Apollo 13’s 400,171 kilometers mark on its tenth day, culminating with a landing in the Pacific Ocean.
Though Artemis II will not feature a lunar landing, unlike its successor Artemis III, its importance lies in demonstrating NASA’s technical capabilities for a moon return and ushering in a new era of space exploration.
This story originally appeared in WIRED en Español and was translated from Spanish.