NASA scheduled the launch of the lunar mission Artemis II on April 1, but in its name it uses a play on words “Neshutochnoe delo.”

Delay in launching the Artemis lunar mission due to helium issues

NASA is forced to postpone the launch of the second phase of the Artemis program because a fault occurred during helium transfer in the intermediate stage of the SLS rocket. As a result, the launch pad now lacks not only the rocket system but also the Orion spacecraft.

New launch date
- Planned date – April 1, 2026

- According to *PCMag* (link to *Ars Technica*) this is the only opportunity to launch the SLS with Orion in that month if everything goes smoothly.

Why the launch did not happen in March
In March there were two optimal windows for launch, but both expired on March 11.
Resolving the technical problems will take longer than anticipated during the March launch planning.

To prepare the launch sets, the flight crew must return the SLS and Orion to the launch pad in March and conduct additional checks.

What happened with helium
- The problem arose from a seal defect in the quick‑disconnect pipe fitting.

- After repairing the node, NASA performed a test helium purge at reduced flow rate to ensure the defect was fixed and would not recur.

What comes next
1. Move to the launch pad – after verifying the SLS and Orion systems, they will be relocated to the launch site.

2. Battery maintenance – replace or recharge batteries responsible for critical functions.

3. Additional checks – on‑board systems will undergo a series of tests, including a possible “wet” full rehearsal in March.

4. If April 1 proves impossible, NASA is considering dates from April 3 to 6 as alternative launch windows.

Brief history of the Artemis mission
- Phase one (2022) – unmanned Orion flight around the Moon and return to Earth.

- Phase two – sending a crew of three American and one Canadian astronauts. On board Orion there will be an orbital circumnavigation of the Moon, after which the ship will return to Earth in about ten days.

Thus, despite the difficulties that have arisen, NASA continues working to ensure Artemis launches as soon as possible.