NASA has reported that the launch of its Artemis II mission is likely to be delayed yet again, following technical difficulties. The Space Launch System rocket and the Orion spacecraft, which were already on the launch pad, may need to be moved back to the assembly building due to problems with the helium flow in the rocket. This situation almost certainly impacts the launch window initially set for March, according to NASA's announcement.

The Artemis II mission has already faced delays earlier in February due to other technical issues, and the intended launch date of March 6 is now being pushed back. NASA has planned additional potential launch dates extending into early April, but uncertainty remains about when this significant mission will proceed. The Artemis II mission aims to send four astronauts around the Moon and back to Earth, marking an important preparation for the upcoming Artemis III mission, which is scheduled for 2028.

The crew for Artemis II includes three American astronauts—Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch—as well as Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen. This mission is notable as it will take the astronauts further from Earth than any humans have traveled before, and represents a significant step in NASA’s efforts to return humans to the Moon after decades.