NASA Addresses Orion Spacecraft Helium Leak, Plans Redesign for Future Missions
NASA has identified a helium leak in the Orion spacecraft's propulsion system during the Artemis II mission. The leak, which is internal to the system, affects the helium pressure supply to the oxidizer side of the spacecraft's propulsion system. Despite this issue, the propulsion system has performed nominally, and the leak does not pose a threat to the mission's reentry or crew safety. The leak was discovered as the Artemis II mission, which includes a lunar flyby, was nearing its return to Earth. NASA's lead flight director, Jeff Radigan, stated that the leak is not to space but is contained within the system's valves. The European-built service module, which houses the valves, will be jettisoned before reentry, and the crew module will guide the astronauts to a safe splashdown in the Pacific Ocean. NASA plans to redesign the valves for future missions to prevent similar issues. 
