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NASA Postpones Artemis II, Plans Rollback After Helium Anomaly

Engineers will diagnose a loss of helium flow in the ICPS pressurization and purge system before setting a new launch date.

Overview

  • NASA canceled the March launch window, dropping the March 6 target after the issue surfaced.
  • During a standard repressurization, teams could not get helium to flow through the upper-stage ICPS despite earlier wet dress tests operating normally.
  • The SLS is slated to roll 6.4 kilometers back to the Vehicle Assembly Building as early as Tuesday, weather permitting, for inspections and repairs.
  • Investigators are examining possibilities that include an umbilical-line filter blockage, a faulty quick-disconnect interface, or an internal valve problem.
  • April is being discussed as a possible window, but any new date depends on repairs and repeat verification testing.