NASA rules out March launch for manned moon mission over technical issues
Al Jazeera
February 21, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
NASA has announced that its Artemis 2 mission will not launch in March due to technical issues with the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket. The primary problem lies in the helium flow, which is critical for engine purging and fuel tank pressurization. NASA administrator Jared Isaacman stated that these challenges have pushed the March launch window out of consideration, disappointing both the team and the public.
The delay marks another setback for the Artemis program, which has faced multiple postponements. The uncrewed Artemis 1 mission in November 2022 also encountered several issues, including a liquid hydrogen leak during a February rehearsal. Despite these challenges, NASA remains committed to its goal of returning humans to the moon by 2028 with Artemis 3. The Artemis 2 mission, set to be the farthest crewed flight in history, is now targeted for April.
The delay underscores the complexities of space exploration and the importance of thorough testing. NASA’s efforts are part of a broader
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/21/2026