NASA delays Artemis I’s launch for a second time
NASA has once again scrubbed the debut launch of its Space Launch System (or SLS) rocket after engineers failed to fix a persistent hydrogen leak.
The hydrogen leak was first noticed this morning, soon after the rocket began being fueled with liquid hydrogen. NASA said the leak “developed in the supply side of the 8-inch quick disconnect while attempting to transfer fuel to the rocket.” The team made three troubleshooting attempts, but a leak was detected after each effort to fix the problem. After the third time, engineers recommended that the launch be a ‘no go.’ Soon after, the mission’s launch director, Charlie Blackwell-Thompson, decided to scrub the launch attempt.
The SLS is meant to be one of the workhorses of NASA’s Artemis...