Rocket Returns to Hangar
The monumental Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, a towering 322-foot (98-meter) marvel of engineering, has been taken off the launch pad and transported
back to the Vehicle Assembly Building at Florida's Kennedy Space Centre. This extensive move, which spanned an entire day, was prompted by a series of concerning technical malfunctions. The rocket had been stationed at the launch pad for approximately a month, undergoing final preparations for its crewed mission. However, persistent problems have now necessitated its return to the assembly facility, situated about 4 miles (6.4 kilometers) away, to undergo crucial repairs and inspections.
Technical Glitches Delay Launch
The decision to roll back the Artemis II rocket was made over the weekend following a significant malfunction discovered in the rocket's helium pressurisation system. This latest issue compounds existing delays, which were previously attributed to troubling hydrogen fuel leaks that had already pushed the launch timeline back by a month. The mission, which was initially targeting a March liftoff for the astronauts' return to lunar orbit, now faces a revised launch window no earlier than April. This postponement means the planned lunar fly-around mission for the US-Canadian crew will be conducted later than originally scheduled.
Astronauts' Schedule Adjusts
In a notable consequence of the launch delay, the four astronauts slated for the Artemis II mission found themselves with an adjusted schedule, allowing them to attend President Donald Trump's State of the Union address on Tuesday night at the US Capitol as invited guests. Had the launch proceeded as initially planned, the crew would have been in quarantine, unable to participate in such events. The extended timeline due to the rocket's repair needs means the astronauts are no longer required to adhere to strict pre-flight quarantine protocols, enabling them to fulfill this public engagement before their eventual departure for the moon.
