NASA Delays Artemis II Lunar Mission to March 2026 Due to Fuel Leak
NASA has rescheduled the much-awaited Artemis II crewed lunar mission. Originally set for a February launch, the mission is now slated for no earlier than March 6, 2026. This decision comes in the wake of technical glitches encountered during a critical wet dress rehearsal test.
Engineers discovered a liquid hydrogen leak at the interface of the tail service mast umbilical during the countdown simulation on February 2, 2026. The leak, which occurred at the T-5:15 minute mark, necessitated the launch control team to abort the test and safely empty the rocket’s cryogenic propellant tanks.
Artemis II marks the first crewed mission to the Moon since Apollo 17 in 1972. The mission will carry NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen on a 10-day lunar journey. It aims to test critical systems aboard the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft, crucial for future lunar surface missions.
The delay impacts the mission’s four-person crew, who began their quarantine in Houston on January 21. Following the delay announcement, they were released. They will re-enter quarantine approximately two weeks before the next targeted launch opportunity in March.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman emphasized that crew safety remains paramount. The teams will thoroughly review data from the test to address each issue before finalizing an official target launch date.
Source: NASA