Four astronauts will have to wait a bit longer before their exciting mission to the moon. Their rocket, the Space Launch System (SLS), has returned to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This rollback happened due to a helium flow issue that engineers need to fix, and it limits access while the rocket is on the launch pad.
NASA had planned to launch the Artemis 2 mission, featuring astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen, with a target date of March 6. However, thanks to the helium problem, that date has now shifted to at least April.
The helium issue arose just after a successful fueling test. During this “wet dress rehearsal,” SLS was fully fueled and prepared for launch, but the team discovered the problem a day later. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman noted that they were unable to get helium flow during a routine check. Since helium is vital for the rocket’s propellant system, rolling back to the VAB became necessary for repairs.
Historically, the Artemis program has faced challenges. The previous Artemis 1 mission encountered similar setbacks, including a hydrogen leak that delayed its launch for months. This experience highlights the complexities of space missions and the importance of thorough testing. Engineers took corrective measures for Artemis 2 so they can avoid multiple rollbacks this time.
The rollback began at 9:28 a.m. EST and took about 10.5 hours for the rocket to reach the VAB, moving at a slow 1 mph along a stone-lined road. Now, with the rocket safely back inside, teams can begin diagnostics to catch any issues early, aiming to get back on schedule before the new launch window opens in early April.
According to a recent survey, about 70% of Americans support the Artemis missions, reflecting the excitement and hope for human exploration in space. As the world watches, NASA is committed to ensuring a successful mission, one step at a time.
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