By The Canadian Press

NASA moon rocket hit by new problem, putting March launch with astronauts in jeopardy

Feb 21, 2026 | 10:18 AM

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — NASA’s new moon rocket has suffered another setback, putting next month’s planned launch with astronauts in jeopardy, the space agency announced Saturday.

Officials revealed the latest problem just one day after targeting March 6 for 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, they noted. Solid helium flow is required for launch.

NASA said it is reviewing all the data and preparing, if necessary, to return the Space Launch System rocket to the hangar for repairs at Florida’s Kennedy Space Center. It’s possible the work could be done at the launch pad; the space agency said engineers are protecting for both options.

“This will almost assuredly impact the March launch window.,” NASA said in a statement.

Hydrogen fuel leaks had already delayed the Artemis II lunar fly-around by a month. A second fueling test on Thursday revealed hardly any leaks, giving managers the confidence to aim for a March 6 liftoff.

Federal Politics

Indigenous leaders outline priorities for Parliament this spring

3h ago

Policing

RCMP's much-needed reserve program grappling with numerous challenges: report

3h ago

Policing

RCMP's much-needed reserve program grappling with numerous challenges: report

3h ago

___

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

Marcia Dunn, The Associated Press