NASA delays Artemis II crewed moon flyby to April due to helium leak in rocket’s upper stage, requiring repairs.

NASA’s Artemis II mission, the first crewed lunar flyby in over 50 years, is delayed into April due to a newly discovered helium flow issue in the Space Launch System rocket’s upper stage. The problem, unrelated to prior hydrogen leaks, disrupts engine purging and fuel tank pressurization, requiring repairs in the Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy Space Center. The 322-foot rocket is likely to be rolled back for work, pushing the launch beyond the March window. The four astronauts remain in quarantine, and NASA emphasized safety and thorough testing. The delay follows a series of technical setbacks, including issues from the 2022 uncrewed Artemis I test.