Summary
NASA will not launch the Artemis 2 moon mission in March due to problems with the rocket's helium flow. The mission is the first crewed moon flyby in over 50 years and aims to help prepare for future human flights to Mars. The next possible launch dates are at the beginning or end of April.
Key Facts
- NASA identified an issue with helium flow in the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, crucial for pressurizing fuel tanks.
- Artemis 2 is a crewed mission, part of the larger Artemis program, aiming to return humans to the moon.
- The mission includes a 10-day flight around the moon with three US astronauts and one Canadian astronaut.
- It is intended as a step towards a future manned mission to Mars.
- NASA initially aimed for a March launch, but the technical issue delayed it.
- The next possible launch windows are in early or late April.
- The Artemis 2 crew includes astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen.
- Artemis 2 will be the first crewed moon mission since the Apollo program over 50 years ago.
