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NASA Delays Moon Mission After Helium Leak, Rolls Back Artemis II Rocket

NASA has decided to roll the Artemis II Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft back to the Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy Space Center. This move delays the highly anticipated crewed lunar flyby mission following the discovery of an issue with helium flow to the rocket's upper stage. The action preserves a potential launch window in April, pending repairs and data analysis. The mission, carrying four astronauts, aims to be the first crewed flight to the Moon since the Apollo program.

Key Points: NASA Artemis II Moon Mission Delayed, Rocket Rolled Back

  • Helium flow issue forces rollback
  • April launch window still possible
  • Mission is 10-day lunar flyby
  • First crewed Moon mission since Apollo
2 min read

NASA to roll back launch of manned Moon mission after Helium flow discovery

NASA delays the crewed Artemis II Moon mission after a helium flow issue, rolling the SLS rocket back for repairs. Launch was scheduled for March.

"Returning to the Vehicle Assembly Building... is required to determine the cause of the issue and fix it - NASA"

Washington DC, February 23

NASA will roll back the SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft for Artemis II off the launch pad, delaying the most-awaited crewed flyby mission to the Moon.

This comes after NASA encountered an issue with the flow of helium to the rocket's upper stage, the space agency said in a statement.

"On February 21, managers decided to remove recently installed platforms before high winds descended on the Space Coast, which poised teams for rollback while discussions about the issue were ongoing. Returning to the Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy Space Centre in Florida is required to determine the cause of the issue and fix it," NASA said

The space agency said that the quick work to begin preparations for rolling the rocket and spacecraft back to the VAB potentially preserves the April launch window, pending the outcome of data findings, repair efforts, and how the schedule comes to fruition in the coming days and weeks.

The Artemis II crew members were released from quarantine the evening of Feb. 21 and remain in Houston.

The launch of Artemis II was scheduled for March 6.

The goal of the Artemis 2 mission, a 10-day flight around the Moon and back, is to "explore the Moon for scientific discovery, economic benefits, and to build the foundation for the first crewed missions to Mars", according to NASA.

The planned Artemis 2 crew includes three US astronauts - Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch - and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen. The mission is poised to be the farthest human flight into space ever, and the first crewed Moon mission since the US Apollo programme more than half a century ago.

Artemis 2 is a precursor to NASA's planned astronaut Moon landing with Artemis 3, which is scheduled for 2028.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
So much money and effort, and a helium leak causes a rollback? It feels like a setback for all of humanity's moon ambitions. I hope they fix it quickly. The world is watching, and every delay makes private companies like SpaceX look more efficient.
V
Vikram M
Interesting to see a Canadian astronaut on the crew! International cooperation in space is the future. While NASA deals with this, it's a good time for India to strengthen its own partnerships. Our space program has so much potential for global collaboration.
S
Sarah B
As someone who grew up watching the Apollo missions, this is heartbreaking. Another delay. They've been talking about returning to the moon for decades. At this rate, China might get there with taikonauts before Artemis 3 lands in 2028.
R
Rohit P
The engineers know best. If they say roll back, we must trust them. Chandryaan-3 had its own share of tense moments. Space is hard! This just shows that whether it's NASA or ISRO, the challenges are immense. Wishing the team a speedy resolution. Jai Vigyan!
K
Kavya N
A respectful criticism: While safety is paramount, these constant delays and cost overruns on SLS raise questions about the program's management. Could the resources be used better? Still, rooting for the crew and a successful mission. Christina Koch is an inspiration!

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