NASA has postponed the long-awaited crewed flight to the Moon due to a technical issue identified with the rocket. The latest delay is a significant blow to the Artemis II program, in which four astronauts are set to fly around the Moon.
According to the space agency, April is now considered the earliest possible launch date for the mission. The launch was previously scheduled for March 6 and was to be humanity's first crewed flight to the Moon in over half a century.
Agency representatives stated that during overnight checks, the flow of helium to the rocket's upper stage was interrupted. Solid helium is used to purge the engines and create the necessary pressure in the fuel tanks, making it a critically important element of the launch system.
NASA emphasized that the new malfunction is not related to the hydrogen fuel leaks that previously complicated the dress rehearsal for the Space Launch System rocket and required retesting.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman stated that the cause of the helium flow stoppage could be a faulty filter, valve, or connecting plate. He noted that regardless of the nature of the problem, it will be necessary to return the 98-meter rocket back to the hangar for repairs and additional checks.
