NASA plans on-pad leak repair for grounded Artemis II moon rocket before possible March launch

The agency then plans a second fueling test before making another attempt in March to launch four astronauts on a historic flight around the moon.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 6:15pm

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NASA plans an on-pad repair of the fuel leak that derailed an overnight dress rehearsal countdown for the agency's huge Artemis II rocket. The agency then plans a second fueling test before making another attempt in March to launch four astronauts on a historic flight around the moon.

Why it matters

The Artemis II mission is a critical step in NASA's plans to return humans to the moon, and the successful launch of the powerful Space Launch System rocket is essential. Fixing the fuel leak and ensuring a smooth launch countdown is crucial for the mission's success.

The details

During fueling operations on Monday, sensors recorded high concentrations of hydrogen in a cavity between the ground and rocket sides of the umbilical, forcing fueling to halt. The team was able to get the leak back to acceptable levels, but it suddenly spiked in the final six minutes of the practice countdown, causing an automated control system to stop the countdown. NASA will now conduct an on-pad repair of the leak and a second fueling test before attempting the launch in March.

  • On Monday, sensors recorded high concentrations of hydrogen in a cavity between the ground and rocket sides of the umbilical, forcing fueling to halt.
  • In the final six minutes of the practice countdown, the leak suddenly spiked, causing an automated control system to stop the countdown.
  • NASA plans to conduct an on-pad repair of the leak and a second fueling test before attempting the launch in March.

The players

Lori Glaze

A senior manager in NASA's Exploration Systems Development office.

John Honeycutt

Chairman of NASA's Mission Management Team.

Jared Isaacman

NASA Administrator.

Reid Wiseman

Artemis II commander.

Victor Glover

Artemis II crew member.

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What they’re saying

“We are still in the process of assessing the data that we collected yesterday and developing the (repair) plan. We do believe...at this point that the work that's in front of us can be conducted out at the pad, and that's what we anticipate.”

— Lori Glaze, Senior manager, NASA's Exploration Systems Development office (CBS News)

“Immense pride seeing the rocket reach 100% fuel load last night, especially knowing how challenging the scenario was for our launch team doing the dangerous and unforgiving work. The crew just shared a peaceful breakfast with our families and we jump back into training tomorrow to start our preps for a March launch to the moon.”

— Reid Wiseman (X)

“To me, the big takeaway was we got a chance for the rocket to talk to us. And it did just that. The test gave us exactly what we needed. It was an opportunity for us to wring out the system, as well as the team, before we ask our crew to go fly.”

— John Honeycutt, Chairman, NASA's Mission Management Team (CBS News)

What’s next

NASA plans to test the planned leak repair with a second dress rehearsal fueling test later this month before making another attempt in March to launch four astronauts on a historic flight around the moon.

The takeaway

The Artemis II mission is a critical step in NASA's plans to return humans to the moon, and fixing the fuel leak and ensuring a smooth launch countdown is crucial for the mission's success. The on-pad repair and additional fueling test will help ensure the rocket is ready for the historic flight around the moon in March.