NASA postpones launch of long-awaited moon rocket after test run reveals critical issue

Space agency delays Artemis mission until at least March due to hydrogen fuel leaks during dress rehearsal

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

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NASA has postponed the launch of its long-awaited Artemis moon rocket until at least March after a critical test run revealed issues with hydrogen fuel leaks. The same problem had delayed the debut of the Space Launch System rocket three years ago. NASA said safety remains the top priority and they will only launch when they believe they are fully ready for the historic mission.

Why it matters

The Artemis program is NASA's ambitious plan to return humans to the moon for the first time since the Apollo era, with the goal of establishing a long-term lunar presence. This delay in the launch of the SLS rocket, which is the centerpiece of the Artemis program, pushes back the timeline for the first crewed lunar flyby mission and subsequent moon landings.

The details

During Monday's critical fueling test, hydrogen fuel leaks cropped up early in the loading operation and again hours later, ultimately halting the countdown at the five-minute mark. Launch controllers tried several adjustments to reseat any loose seals and warm up the area between the rocket and fuel lines, but the issues persisted. As a result, NASA has decided to delay the launch until at least March 6 to allow the team to conduct another fueling test before committing the four astronauts - three Americans and one Canadian - to the lunar flyby mission.

  • The initial SLS rocket debut was delayed for months in 2022 due to similar hydrogen fuel leak issues.
  • NASA had been targeting as soon as this weekend for the first Artemis mission with astronauts.
  • The four-person crew has been given the all-clear to emerge from quarantine in Houston, but will have to re-enter quarantine two weeks before the next launch attempt.

The players

NASA

The U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the government agency responsible for the country's civilian space program, including the Artemis lunar exploration initiative.

Jared Isaacman

The new administrator of NASA, who stated that safety remains the top priority and they will only launch when they believe they are fully ready for the historic mission.

Reid Wiseman

The commander of the four-person crew slated for the Artemis lunar flyby mission.

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What they’re saying

“As always, safety remains our top priority. We will only launch when we believe we are as ready to undertake this historic mission.”

— Jared Isaacman, NASA Administrator (X)

What’s next

NASA has only a handful of days any given month to send the four-person crew around the moon, with the next launch window opening on March 6. The agency will conduct another fueling test before committing the astronauts to the nearly 10-day mission, which will check out life support and other vital capsule systems ahead of a future moon landing.

The takeaway

This delay in the Artemis moon rocket launch highlights the technical challenges NASA continues to face in preparing for humanity's return to the lunar surface. While frustrating, the space agency is prioritizing safety and ensuring they are fully ready before attempting this historic mission, which aims to establish a long-term presence on the moon in the coming years.