NASA postponed the launch of Artemis II once again, with a new launch window for April. The launch was initially scheduled for March 6, but a helium leak in the rocket caused further delays.
While preparations were underway for the launch, NASA says it ran into an issue with the flow of helium to the Space Launch System rocket’s upper stage. According to NASA administrator Jared Isaacman, the failure was due to an interruption in the helium flow in the interim cryogenic propulsion stage of the SLS. Helium flow is essential for purging engines and pressurizing the fuel tanks, which makes this issue vital. Now, the rocket and the Orion spacecraft have to travel four miles back to the Vehicle Assembly Building, which will postpone the launch.
“I understand people are disappointed by this development,” Isaacman stated on his X account. “That disappointment is felt most by the team at NASA, who have been working tirelessly to prepare for this great endeavor. During the 1960s, when NASA achieved what most thought was impossible, and what has never been repeated since, there were many setbacks.”
The mission had its first launch window between February 6 and 11. However, during the first dress rehearsal (a full rehearsal involving fuel), the team detected small hydrogen leaks during refueling along with some minor technical glitches. Due to this, NASA decided to postpone the launch as it could endanger the astronauts on board. The second dress rehearsal that took place on February 19 was successful. The space agency explained that it loaded 700,000 gallons of liquid propellant, closely monitoring the system for any leaks. However, “hydrogen gas concentrations remained under allowable limits, giving engineers confidence in new seals installed in an interface used to route fuel to the rocket,” NASA said. Due to this success, mission representatives confirmed to the media that a tentative launch date would be March 6. However, on February 20, the team failed to get helium flow through the vehicle, which could have been caused by a faulty filter, valve, or connector plate.
When the Orion capsule eventually launches, during its 10-day mission, it will travel farther than any other manned spacecraft, surpassing on the sixth day the record of 400,171 kilometers set by Apollo 13. The return will conclude with the capsule landing in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego, California.
Even though there will be no lunar landing, this launch is crucial. Its success will demonstrate that NASA has the ability to return to the moon and begin a new phase of space exploration.
