NASA Delays Lunar Mission Launch After Fuel Leak Tests

The space agency aims for a March liftoff after facing frustrating fuel leaks during recent launch attempts.

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

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NASA announced on Tuesday that it now aims to launch its new lunar rocket in March after facing frustrating fuel leaks during recent launch attempts. The space agency said it will take more time to address the technical issues that have prevented the Artemis I mission from getting off the ground.

Why it matters

The Artemis I mission is a critical step in NASA's plans to return humans to the Moon for the first time since the Apollo era. Any delays in the launch schedule could push back the timeline for future Artemis missions, including the planned Artemis II flight that will carry astronauts around the Moon.

The details

During the most recent launch attempt on February 3rd, NASA encountered a fuel leak in the rocket's core stage that prevented the agency from completing the critical pre-launch test. Engineers were unable to resolve the issue, leading to the scrubbing of the launch. NASA said it will take more time to address the technical problems that have caused the repeated delays.

  • The most recent launch attempt was on February 3, 2026.
  • NASA now aims to launch the Artemis I mission in March 2026.

The players

NASA

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the independent agency of the executive branch of the United States federal government responsible for the civilian space program, as well as aeronautics and space research.

Artemis I

The first uncrewed flight test of the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft as part of NASA's Artemis program to return humans to the Moon.

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What’s next

NASA will take more time to address the technical issues that have prevented the Artemis I mission from launching, with the goal of a March 2026 liftoff.

The takeaway

The repeated delays in the Artemis I launch highlight the technical challenges involved in developing new space exploration systems, but NASA remains committed to the Artemis program and its goal of returning humans to the lunar surface.