NASA's new moon rocket has encountered another setback, casting doubt on next month's planned launch with astronauts, the space agency announced on Saturday.
The latest issue was revealed just one day after targeting March 6 for humanity's first flight to the moon in over half a century. Overnight, the flow of helium to the rocket's upper stage was interrupted, which is required for launch.
NASA stated it is reviewing all data and preparing, if necessary, to return the Space Launch System rocket to the hangar for repairs at Florida's Kennedy Space Center. It is possible the work could be done at the launch pad; engineers are preparing for both options.
“This will almost assuredly impact the March launch window,” NASA said in a statement. Hydrogen fuel leaks had already delayed the Artemis II lunar fly-around by a month. A second fueling test on Thursday revealed hardly any leaks, giving managers confidence to aim for a March 6 liftoff.
