NASA's crewed Artemis II launch gets pushed back again, this time due to a helium issue

Engadget

by Cheyenne MacDonald

February 22, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

NASA's Artemis II crewed mission, aimed at sending astronauts on a historic journey around the moon, has been delayed once again due to technical issues. This time, the problem arose with the flow of helium to the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket's upper stage during final preparations for a potential March 6 launch. As a result, the rocket and Orion spacecraft will be rolled back to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at Kennedy Space Center for troubleshooting. This rollback removes the March window from consideration but may still allow for an April launch, contingent on repairs and schedule assessments. The helium issue occurred overnight on February 21, disrupting normal operations after a recent wet dress rehearsal. Helium is critical for maintaining environmental conditions in the rocket's engines and pressurizing fuel tanks. While backup systems are temporarily keeping the rocket stable, engineers must resolve the flow problem to proceed. The delay means the Artemis II team will now focus on February 24 for the VAB trip, marking a significant setback after earlier hopes of an accelerated timeline. The Artemis II crew—Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, Mission Specialist Christina Koch, and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen—had recently entered quarantine ahead of the launch. However, they were briefly released from quarantine following the helium issue. The mission, originally targeted for April 2026 but accelerated in January, has faced multiple delays since its initial plan in 2024. This latest delay highlights the challenges inherent in complex space exploration missions. For tech enthusiasts and space fans, Artemis II represents a pivotal step toward reviving human lunar exploration and setting the stage for future crewed missions on the moon. The success of this launch will not only validate NASA's SLS rocket but also pave the way for deeper space initiatives, making the resolution of this helium issue crucial to ongoing efforts.

Verticals

techconsumer-tech

Originally published on Engadget on 2/22/2026