On Wednesday morning, NASA initiated the transport of its SLS (Space Launch System) rocket for the Artemis 2 crewed lunar mission to its Vehicle Assembly Building at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This move signifies that the previously anticipated launch window for March will not be met, marking yet another delay in the mission's timeline. The reason for the withdrawal from the launch pad is a problem identified in the rocket's upper stage, specifically relating to the flow of helium used for its propulsion system.

The transport route from the launch pad to the assembly building is relatively short, just over 6 kilometers; however, NASA estimates that moving such a large rocket will take approximately 12 hours. The issue was flagged last Saturday, when it was discovered that there was an interruption in the helium flow to the rocket's temporary cryogenic propulsion stage. Helium plays a crucial role in maintaining environmental conditions for the stage's engine and pressurizing the tanks of liquid hydrogen and oxygen propel the rocket.

As the Artemis 2 mission continues to face setbacks, this latest technical challenge not only impacts the launch schedule but also raises concerns about the durability and reliability of the SLS rocket system. NASA's investigation into the helium flow issue will be pivotal in addressing potential vulnerabilities and ensuring the success of future lunar missions, which are a part of the broader Artemis program aiming to return humans to the Moon and eventually to Mars.