NASA’s latest moon rocket faced a setback over the weekend, likely delaying astronauts’ first lunar journey in decades until the spring. The space agency encountered issues with the flow of helium to the rocket’s upper stage, a crucial element for engine purging and fuel tank pressurization. This problem arose just after NASA aimed for a March 6 launch date for the Artemis II mission, marking humanity’s return to the moon after more than 50 years.
The helium disruption is distinct from the hydrogen fuel leaks that affected a recent countdown rehearsal for the Space Launch System rocket. According to Jared Isaacman, NASA Administrator, a faulty filter, valve, or connection plate may be responsible for the helium flow interruption. Resolving this issue requires accessing the rocket in the Vehicle Assembly Building at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida.
Isaacman announced on social media that preparations for rollback have begun, ruling out the March launch window. NASA is now eyeing potential launch dates in early or late April. Despite the setback, Isaacman expressed gratitude for the team’s efforts, acknowledging the disappointment surrounding the delay.
The Artemis II mission had already faced delays due to hydrogen fuel leaks, pushing back the lunar fly-around by a month. However, a recent fuelling test showed minimal leaks, boosting confidence for a March liftoff. The four astronauts assigned to the mission entered a two-week quarantine as a standard precaution.
The helium flow issue specifically affects the SLS rocket’s interim cryogenic propulsion stage, critical for positioning the Orion crew capsule into a proper orbit around Earth post-launch. This stage will later detach from Orion to serve as a docking target for crew training on future moon missions.
While the Apollo program saw 24 astronauts journey to the moon between 1968 and 1972, NASA’s Artemis program has only completed one unmanned lunar-orbiting mission in 2022 so far. The first crewed moon landing under Artemis remains a few years away, with the program still in its early stages.
