NASA delays Artemis 2 Moon mission: Here's why
NASA's big Artemis 2 mission—the first planned trip to fly astronauts around the Moon since 1972—just hit pause.
Instead of launching in March, the team has to fix a helium flow problem in their SLS rocket, so the vehicle will be rolled back from Pad 39B into Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building for inspection and repairs.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman summed it up honestly
During a recent two-day "wet dress rehearsal," engineers fueled up the rocket but ran into several snags: a hydrogen leak, cold weather delays, and camera issues.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman summed it up honestly: "This will almost assuredly impact the March launch window."
Next possible launch dates are in early to late April 2026
The next possible launch dates are in early to late April 2026 (specific dates have not been confirmed).
Astronauts who've been quarantined will get a short break before returning for another round of pre-launch isolation.
While this delay is frustrating—especially with China also racing toward the Moon—NASA says safety comes first.