Source: Fortune
Summary
NASA is removing its massive moon rocket from its launchpad to fix a technical issue, delaying the Artemis II mission to send a crew of four around the moon. The rocket, built by Boeing, has a problem with the flow of helium in its upper portion. NASA engineers will fix the issue at the Vehicle Assembly Building hangar at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The launch, originally set for March 6, will not take place in March, with April being the earliest next launch opportunity.
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NASA’s moon rocket is facing a helium issue, similar to one that occurred on its first flight in 2022. The agency is rolling back the rocket to its hangar to fix the problem. The setback comes just a day after NASA announced a March 6 launch target. The launch will not take place in March, with April being the earliest next launch opportunity. NASA administrator Jared Isaacman acknowledged the disappointment, saying it’s felt most by the NASA team. The agency’s next move will be to fix the issue and prepare for a new launch window.
The mission delay is a familiar phase in NASA’s lunar ambitions.
Author: Evan Null
