NASA Delays Artemis 2 Rocket Launch After Last-Minute Issue

The Space Launch System rocket must return to the Vehicle Assembly Building for repairs, pushing the mission's liftoff to at least April.

Feb. 23, 2026 at 10:05pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

NASA has delayed the launch of the Artemis 2 mission after encountering an issue with the flow of helium to the rocket's upper stage during a recent wet dress rehearsal. To fix the problem, the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft will need to be rolled back to the Vehicle Assembly Building at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, pushing the mission's liftoff to at least April.

Why it matters

The Artemis 2 mission will be the first crewed flight for both SLS and Orion, and the first to send astronauts to the vicinity of the Moon since the Apollo era. Its success is critical to NASA's Artemis program, as it will validate that these spacecraft are capable of carrying crew to the Moon and pave the way for future lunar landings.

The details

During the wet dress rehearsal, engineers observed an interrupted flow of helium to the rocket's interim cryogenic propulsion stage, which is essential for maintaining proper environmental conditions and pressurizing the propellant tanks. To troubleshoot the issue, NASA needs to access a section of the rocket that can't be safely reached on the launchpad, requiring the rollback to the Vehicle Assembly Building.

  • On February 23, 2026, NASA completed a successful wet dress rehearsal for the Artemis 2 mission.
  • On February 25, 2026, NASA announced the need to roll the SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft back to the Vehicle Assembly Building to address the helium flow issue.
  • Weather permitting, the rollback process is expected to begin on February 28, 2026.
  • The March launch window is now out of consideration, with NASA hoping to launch Artemis 2 in April.

The players

NASA

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the United States government agency responsible for the civilian space program, the Artemis program, and the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket.

Jared Isaacman

The NASA Administrator, who acknowledged the disappointment over the delay and the hard work of the NASA team.

Space Launch System (SLS)

NASA's powerful rocket that will launch the Artemis 2 mission, the first crewed flight of the SLS and Orion spacecraft.

Orion

The spacecraft that will carry astronauts to the Moon as part of the Artemis program.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I understand people are disappointed by this development. That disappointment is felt most by the team at NASA, who have been working tirelessly to prepare for this great endeavor.”

— Jared Isaacman, NASA Administrator

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This delay in the Artemis 2 mission highlights the technical challenges and high stakes involved in sending astronauts to the Moon, as NASA works to ensure the safety and reliability of the SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft before risking a crewed flight.