NASA’s latest moon rocket faced another setback on Saturday, likely delaying astronauts’ historic lunar trip to the spring. The space agency encountered a helium flow issue in the rocket’s upper stage, crucial for engine purging and fuel tank pressurization. This problem is distinct from previous hydrogen fuel leaks that affected a recent rocket countdown rehearsal.
Jared Isaacman, NASA’s administrator, mentioned that a faulty filter, valve, or connection plate could be causing the helium flow interruption. To address this issue, the rocket must be transported to the Vehicle Assembly Building at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., ruling out the previously targeted March 6 launch date for the Artemis II mission.
NASA is now eyeing potential launch opportunities in early or late April. The agency expressed disappointment over the delay, citing the dedicated efforts of the NASA team in preparing for the mission. Despite the setback, preparations are underway to rectify the situation.
The Artemis II mission had already experienced delays due to hydrogen fuel leaks, pushing back the lunar fly-around by a month. Following a successful second fuelling test, managers aimed for a March liftoff, with astronauts entering quarantine as a precaution. The interrupted helium flow issue specifically affects the SLS rocket’s interim cryogenic propulsion stage, crucial for placing the Orion crew capsule in the correct orbit for Earth checkout post-launch.
Under the Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the moon, only one test flight has been completed thus far in 2022. This initial flight encountered hydrogen fuel leak issues before takeoff. The planned moon landing with a crew under Artemis remains a few years away, building on the legacy of NASA’s Apollo program that saw 24 astronauts journey to the moon between 1968 and 1972.