Hydrogen Leak Halts Countdown
NASA's long-awaited Artemis II crewed Moon mission has hit another fueling snag. During a wet dress rehearsal that began on January 31, a hydrogen leak was detected at an umbilical plate connecting the launch pad's fuel line to the base of the SLS rocket's first stage. The leak first appeared when the hydrogen tank was approximately 55% full, and despite brief pauses, it persisted as the tank reached 77% capacity.
The automated Ground Launch Sequencer ultimately stopped the clock for good at T-minus 5 minutes and 15 seconds when it detected an increase in hydrogen gas concentrations beyond allowable limits.
Repairs and a New Timeline
Since the February 3 test concluded, technicians have accessed the tail service mast umbilical on the mobile launcher and replaced two seals in the area where elevated gas levels were detected. Engineers are now reviewing options to verify the repair work before conducting a second wet dress rehearsal.
As a result of the incomplete test, NASA scrubbed the February 8-11 launch window and is now targeting five opportunities in March, beginning March 6 and ending March 11. The Artemis II crew, who had entered quarantine in Houston on January 21, has been released and will re-enter quarantine approximately two weeks before the next targeted launch date.
