Artemis 1 launch scrubbed, again; fuel leaks continue

Update 4:40 p.m.

In a press conference after the second attempt to launch was scrubbed, NASA explained that the Artemis 1 launch mission will be postponed during this launch period, meaning that the rocket will not launch early next week either.

One of the causes being looked into was overpressurization. They are looking to see if there could have been other causes for the leak. Saturday's leak was a different issue from the original leak that scrubbed the first attempt.

The team is developing a set of schedule options. They are looking into ways of fixing the fuel leak problems experienced on Saturday. They are analyzing that some of the fixes could be done (and some should be) at the launch pad, due to temperature differences between the launch pad and the Vehicle Assembly Building.

The team is also looking into the options of having the rocket rolled back to the Vehicle Assembly Building. There is the chance that the rocket could be rolled back (at 1 mph) this coming week, if this happens the delay could be several weeks. It is likely that the rocket will have to be rolled out because the solar array's battery needs to be tested. We will keep you posted about any other updates NASA releases.

Original Story:

It’s scrubbed! The second attempt to launch the first mission that would take us back to the Moon was scrubbed about 3 hours prior to launch time.

We can’t blame the weather for the postponement of the Artemis 1 Mission that was scheduled for September 3, at 2:17 p.m. The teams once again encountered an issue that was related to a lead in the hardware transferring fuel to the rocket. They tried to fix the issue during the morning but were unsuccessful.

The next window was set for September 5, and another window is available for Tuesday but they are not sure it could happen. NASA administrator Bill Nelson said that they will not rush the launch and will ensure that all the systems are working.

If the rocket has to be rolled back to the Vehicle Assembly Building the launch will have to be pushed back at least until mid-October. NASA would have between October 17 and Oct 31 to launch.

These windows for launch come periodically because the Orion spacecraft needs to fly while there is sunlight so that the solar panels are charged.

There will be a briefing later today. We will keep you posted.