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6d ago

NASA Rolls Back Artemis II After Helium Fault, Pushing Launch Beyond March

Fixing an interrupted helium supply on the SLS upper stage requires a VAB rollback that shifts the next realistic attempt to early April.

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NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, far left, walks around Launch Complex 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida with a team of troubleshooters working on a helium flow issue with the Space Launch System rocket in the background. (NASA Photo)

Overview

  • Engineers detected an interrupted helium flow to the SLS interim cryogenic propulsion stage during routine operations overnight on February 21.
  • NASA is preparing to roll the rocket from Launch Complex 39B back to the Vehicle Assembly Building for access, inspection and repairs.
  • The agency has taken the March launch window off the table and is eyeing early April opportunities, pending findings and fixes.
  • Operators are using a backup method to maintain safe environmental conditions on the upper stage while teams review data and plan repairs.
  • The helium issue is separate from earlier hydrogen leaks found during the first wet dress rehearsal; a second fueling test days earlier completed successfully and had prompted a tentative March 6 target.