NASA moon rocket hit by new problem, putting March launch with astronauts in jeopardy
NBC News • • science
Key Points:
- NASA's new moon rocket, the Space Launch System (SLS), experienced a helium flow interruption to its upper stage, jeopardizing the planned March 6 launch with astronauts for the Artemis II mission.
- The helium issue is separate from earlier hydrogen fuel leaks that delayed the rocket's countdown dress rehearsal and caused a month-long postponement of the launch window.
- NASA is reviewing the problem and may need to return the 322-foot rocket to the hangar for repairs or fix it at the launch pad, either of which will likely impact the March launch schedule.
- The helium flow is critical for the interim cryogenic propulsion stage, which places the Orion crew capsule into the correct orbit and facilitates docking practice for future moon missions.
