NASA Engineers Tackle Hydrogen Flow Issue to Keep Moon Mission on Track

Artemis II faces hurdles, but March could still see astronauts orbit the moon.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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NASA engineers are analyzing data from a recent test of the Space Launch System rocket as the agency works toward the Artemis II moon mission, with March remaining the earliest potential launch window. During a confidence test, operators encountered an issue with ground support equipment that reduced liquid hydrogen flow into the rocket. Despite the problem, teams said they gained confidence in several key test objectives and collected data at core stage interfaces where a leak occurred during a previous wet dress rehearsal.

Why it matters

The Artemis II mission is part of NASA's broader Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the lunar surface and establish a long-term presence on and around the moon. Any delays or technical issues with the rocket could push back the timeline for this historic mission.

The details

NASA engineers plan to purge the line over the weekend to ensure proper environmental conditions and inspect the ground support equipment. A filter suspected of causing the reduced flow will be replaced. The agency will examine the test findings before establishing a timeline for the next test — a second wet dress rehearsal planned for this month.

  • The confidence test was conducted on February 12, 2026.
  • NASA plans to conduct a second wet dress rehearsal this month.

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.

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What’s next

March remains the earliest potential launch window for the Artemis II mission, which will send astronauts around the moon for the first time in more than 50 years.

The takeaway

Despite the technical hurdles, NASA is working diligently to keep the Artemis II mission on track, as it represents a critical step in the agency's broader goal of returning humans to the lunar surface and establishing a long-term presence on and around the moon.