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Artemis II Rollback Scraps March Launch as NASA Probes Helium Fault

The SLSOrion stack will leave Pad 39B for the Vehicle Assembly Building to access the upper stage for repairs before any April attempt.

Overview

  • Engineers reported interrupted helium flow to the Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage after the Feb. 19 wet dress rehearsal, with helium required for engine purging and pressurizing propellant tanks.
  • NASA plans to begin the rollback as soon as Feb. 24 to diagnose and fix the issue in the VAB, where the necessary access is available.
  • The agency has removed March from consideration for launch, with any April attempt dependent on troubleshooting results and verification testing.
  • Identified April opportunities include April 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6, pending schedule alignment and readiness reviews.
  • The crew—Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen—has exited quarantine, and NASA says a public briefing is expected in the coming days to outline next steps.