As of 23 February 2026 year, NASA has officially confirmed the postponement of the launch of the historic Artemis II mission until at least April 2026 year due to a new technical malfunction. During preparations for the launch, engineers discovered a problem with the supply of helium to the upper stage of the Space Launch System rocket (SLS).
Details of the malfunction: Helium is critical for blowing engines and pressurizing fuel tanks. A "flow interruption" was detected during the check, which indicates a possible clogging of the filter, valve failure or connection interface problems.
Decision: Since repairs are not possible directly at the launch site, the SLS rocket, along with the Orion spacecraft, will be returned to the Vertical Assembly Facility (VAB). Transportation from site 39B is scheduled for Tuesday, 24 February.
Due to the need to roll back the rocket and carry out repair work, March launch windows (in particular previously planned for 6 March) officially cancelled.
The nearest launch window: NASA is now targeting early April. The first opportunity will appear 1 April 2026 year.
Crew: Four astronauts (Reed Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Cook and Jeremy Hansen) have already left pre-launch quarantine and returned to Houston to await further instructions. The delay is part of NASA's "safety first" strategy for the first manned mission to the moon 50 years.
Source: https://spaceflightnow.com/