NASA announced a delay in the rocket launch to the Moon from 6 March 2026 to April due to multiple technical problems discovered over the past week.
On Saturday, 21 February, NASA executive Jared Isaacman reported that engineers found abnormalities in the helium gas system, which is critical for maintaining the rocket's pressure and controlling fuel system temperature. This caused the Artemis II mission to be postponed to April 2026. Isaacman expressed understanding of the disappointment but emphasized that the Artemis II mission must continue.
He confirmed that the four astronauts had been well prepared for what would have been humanity's longest journey occurring in 10 days. Their main objective was to explore the lunar surface for the first time in 50 years, and during the 50-hour mission, they would inspect the rocket's engines. The final wet dress rehearsal test, which involved loading liquid fuel, showed no problems all day Thursday until issues arose late Friday night.
This rocket launch test at Kennedy Space Center in Florida was the scientists' second attempt after an earlier test encountered a problem with a filter causing hydrogen gas leakage.
Jared Isaacman also stated that encountering problems and setbacks is normal in space missions. He cited the 1966 Gemini 8 mission, which Neil Armstrong had to cut short, but later successfully completed the Apollo 11 mission in 1969. He said this launch was a major milestone because everyone at NASA dedicated significant time and effort to Artemis II, and thus everyone deserves success.
The four astronauts on this mission will fly aboard a large lunar rocket that will give them several hours to closely study the Moon's surface.
NASA concluded that the success of Artemis II will be a crucial step toward Artemis III, which aims to send astronauts to set foot on the Moon again, targeted for 2028.
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