Home / Science / Helium Glitch Halts NASA's Artemis II Moon Shot
Helium Glitch Halts NASA's Artemis II Moon Shot
22 Feb
Summary
- Artemis II Moon mission launch is postponed from March 6.
- A helium supply issue in the rocket's propulsion stage caused the delay.
- The massive SLS rocket must return to the hangar for repairs.
The Artemis II mission, NASA's next lunar endeavor, has encountered a significant delay. The planned March 6 launch window is now closed as engineers address a technical malfunction involving the helium supply for the Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (ICPS).
This critical component is essential for purging rocket engines and pressurizing fuel tanks. A failure in the helium system means the 322-foot Space Launch System (SLS) rocket cannot fly and must be returned to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) for repairs. The issue, involving a potential fault in the umbilical or an internal check valve, is similar to one observed during the Artemis I mission in 2022.
Mission commander Jared Isaacman drew parallels to historical spaceflight challenges, referencing Neil Armstrong's early mission setbacks. The rollback, though time-consuming, ensures the vehicle's integrity for future sustainable lunar missions. The goal remains to surpass Apollo by establishing a permanent human presence on the Moon.
