Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

nitpicked

(1,622 posts)
Sat Feb 21, 2026, 06:17 PM 6 hrs ago

NASA 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-130366656

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA’s 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, humanity’s first flight to the moon in more than half a century. Overnight, the flow of helium to the rocket’s upper stage was interrupted, officials said. Solid helium flow is essential for purging the engines and pressurizing the fuel tanks.
(snip)

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.
(snip)
6 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
NASA moon rocket hit by new problem expected to bump astronauts' lunar trip into April (Original Post) nitpicked 6 hrs ago OP
I have a feeling of dread for the crew of this space ship. n/t Jacson6 6 hrs ago #1
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
this is why testing is so essential.... RT Atlanta 5 hrs ago #3
Absolutely. Talitha 33 min ago #4
If this fails, it's just a wider door to allow Space X or others to fill the need. Melon 18 min ago #5

PeaceWave

(2,954 posts)
6. Me too. The low point would be Trump referring to them as "losers" due to rocket failure.
Sun Feb 22, 2026, 12:35 AM
7 min ago

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?
Sat Feb 21, 2026, 06:41 PM
6 hrs ago

Do it right.

RT Atlanta

(2,705 posts)
3. this is why testing is so essential....
Sat Feb 21, 2026, 06:51 PM
5 hrs ago

better to identify and address now than under firing conditions that could lead to something catastrophic

Melon

(1,242 posts)
5. If this fails, it's just a wider door to allow Space X or others to fill the need.
Sun Feb 22, 2026, 12:25 AM
18 min ago

I am afraid NASA is perceived as slow and behind the curve to its more nimble competitors. Hopefully they resolve this quickly and don’t miss additional deadlines.

Latest Discussions»General Discussion»NASA moon rocket hit by n...