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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsNASA moon rocket hit by new problem expected to bump astronauts' lunar trip into April
https://abcnews.com/Technology/wireStory/nasa-moon-rocket-hit-new-problem-putting-march-130366656CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASAs new moon rocket suffered another setback Saturday, almost certain to bump astronauts' first lunar trip in decades into spring.
The space agency revealed the latest problem just one day after targeting March 6 for the Artemis II mission, humanitys first flight to the moon in more than half a century. Overnight, the flow of helium to the rockets upper stage was interrupted, officials said. Solid helium flow is essential for purging the engines and pressurizing the fuel tanks.
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NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said a bad filter, valve or connection plate could be to blame for the stalled helium flow. Regardless of the cause, he noted, the only way to access the area and fix the problem is in the Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy Space Center.
We will begin preparations for rollback, and this will take the March launch window out of consideration, Isaacman said via X. NASA's next opportunities would be at the beginning or end of April.
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NASA moon rocket hit by new problem expected to bump astronauts' lunar trip into April (Original Post)
nitpicked
6 hrs ago
OP
Me too. The low point would be Trump referring to them as "losers" due to rocket failure.
PeaceWave
7 min ago
#6
We haven't been back to the Moon in over 1/2 century, so what's a few more months?
Talitha
6 hrs ago
#2
Jacson6
(1,871 posts)1. I have a feeling of dread for the crew of this space ship. n/t
PeaceWave
(2,954 posts)6. Me too. The low point would be Trump referring to them as "losers" due to rocket failure.
Talitha
(7,835 posts)2. We haven't been back to the Moon in over 1/2 century, so what's a few more months?
Do it right.
RT Atlanta
(2,705 posts)3. this is why testing is so essential....
better to identify and address now than under firing conditions that could lead to something catastrophic
Talitha
(7,835 posts)4. Absolutely.
Melon
(1,242 posts)5. If this fails, it's just a wider door to allow Space X or others to fill the need.
I am afraid NASA is perceived as slow and behind the curve to its more nimble competitors. Hopefully they resolve this quickly and dont miss additional deadlines.