NASA has a new problem to fix before the next Artemis II countdown test
Ars Technica
by
Stephen Clark
February 14, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
NASA is addressing a persistent issue with the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket ahead of its next countdown rehearsal. During a recent Wet Dress Rehearsal (WDR-1), engineers observed significantly lower hydrogen fuel leak rates compared to previous tests, though challenges remain as they prepare for Artemis II and III missions. The Artemis III mission, set to send astronauts to the Moon for the first time in over five decades, is now on hold while NASA focuses on resolving issues with the SLS rocket's performance during fueling operations.
Artemis II, which missed its initial launch window earlier this month, remains on the pad at Kennedy Space Center. The mission will be the first crewed flight of the SLS and Orion spacecraft, carrying four astronauts on a nearly 10-day journey around the far side of the Moon before returning to Earth. However, a hydrogen fuel leak during a practice countdown in February forced NASA to abort the test and halt progress. The agency is now preparing for another countdown rehearsal as early as next week to determine if technicians have successfully fixed the issue.
While Artemis II's delay may seem daunting, it highlights the critical importance of ensuring safety and reliability in human spaceflight. Resolving the hydrogen leak problem is not just a technical challenge but also a matter of public trust and confidence in NASA's capabilities. The success of Artemis III, which aims to land astronauts on the Moon, depends heavily on overcoming these hurdles. By addressing these issues now, NASA is paving the way for future missions that could redefine lunar exploration and humanity's presence in space.
The delay underscores the complexities of modern spaceflight and the need for meticulous attention to detail. As NASA works to refine its systems and procedures, it is also setting a precedent for international collaboration and innovation in space exploration. The lessons learned from these challenges will likely influence future missions, both crewed and robotic, as humanity continues to push the boundaries of what's possible beyond Earth.
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Originally published on Ars Technica on 2/14/2026