NASA delays Artemis II Moon mission to March after hydrogen leak during critical test
NASA has postponed its highly anticipated Artemis II mission to the Moon, pushing the launch timeline to March after a hydrogen leak was detected during a key fuelling test at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The mission was originally scheduled for February 6 before being delayed due to weather concerns.
What is Artemis II
Artemis II is a major milestone in NASA’s plan to return humans to the Moon. It will carry four astronauts on a 10-day journey around the Moon aboard the Orion spacecraft, without landing, setting the stage for future lunar missions. The launch will use NASA’s powerful Space Launch System (SLS) rocket.
What went wrong during testing
The delay follows the conclusion of a two-day wet dress rehearsal that began on January 31. While cryogenic propellants were successfully loaded into the SLS rocket, the test was cut short after engineers detected a liquid hydrogen leak at the tail service mast umbilical.
According to NASA, the countdown was halted automatically when leak levels spiked around five minutes before launch. Engineers spent several hours troubleshooting but were unable to resolve the issue. In addition, a valve linked to the Orion crew module hatch pressurisation required retorquing, extending closeout operations beyond the planned timeline.
NASA’s response
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman confirmed the delay on X, stating that the agency is moving away from the February launch window and targeting March for the earliest possible launch. He emphasised that astronaut and public safety remain the top priority.
A second wet dress rehearsal is now expected in March before the final launch attempt.
Crew update and what’s next
The Artemis II crew—commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, mission specialist Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen—has been released from quarantine and will re-enter isolation closer to the new launch date
Artemis II will pave the way for Artemis III, scheduled for 2027, which aims to land humans on the Moon’s south pole.
Our Thoughts
The Artemis II delay highlights the complexity and risk involved in human spaceflight. While setbacks are disappointing, NASA’s cautious approach reinforces the importance of safety over speed. If successful, Artemis II will be a historic step toward humanity’s long-term return to the Moon.