US: Technical issues force NASA to postpone moon mission
Deutsche Welle
February 22, 2026
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NASA has once again postponed its historic Artemis 2 moon mission due to technical issues with the flow of helium in the SLS rocket. The agency announced that a faulty filter, valve, or connector plate may have disrupted the helium supply, forcing engineers to roll back the 322-foot-tall rocket into the Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy Space Center in Florida for further investigation. This delay pushes the next potential launch window to April, marking another setback for a program already plagued by technical challenges.
The Artemis 2 mission was scheduled to send three U.S. astronauts and one Canadian astronaut on a 10-day lunar orbital journey, reviving human space exploration around the moon after nearly five decades. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman expressed disappointment over the delay, acknowledging the hard work and dedication of the team. He emphasized that this issue is unrelated to the earlier hydrogen fuel leak problems encountered during a countdown rehearsal.
The Artemis program has faced numerous hurdles since its inception, including delays and technical difficulties. The mission aims to land humans on the moon by 2025, fulfilling a key goal set by former President Donald Trump. However, this latest postponement underscores the complexities of modern space exploration and the high stakes involved in such ambitious endeavors.
The delay also highlights the competitive landscape of global space efforts. China has pledged to send its first crewed mission to the moon by 2030, while NASA seeks to establish a long-term presence on the lunar surface as a stepping stone for future Mars missions. The success of Artemis is not only crucial for advancing U.S. space ambitions but also for maintaining its leadership in space exploration.
Despite these challenges, NASA remains committed to overcoming technical obstacles and achieving its goals. The agency's ability to adapt and persevere will be closely watched by both the scientific community and the public, as the Artemis program continues to shape the future of human spaceflight.
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Originally published on Deutsche Welle on 2/22/2026