Khaberni - NASA announced on Saturday that the new rocket intended to be sent to the moon has faced a new obstacle and it is almost certain to postpone the first manned moon mission in decades until spring.
The officials revealed the latest issue just one day after setting March 6 as the launch date for the first human mission to the moon in over half a century, explaining that the flow of helium to the upper stage of the rocket was interrupted.
It is noted that continuous helium flow is necessary for purging the engines and pressurizing the fuel tanks, and this helium problem is unrelated to the hydrogen fuel leak that spoiled the countdown trial for the Space Launch System rocket earlier this month, necessitating a retest.
From his side, Jared Isaacman, NASA Director, said that a faulty filter, valve, or connector plate might be the cause of the helium flow stoppage, pointing out that, regardless of the cause, the only way to access the area and fix the issue is in the Vehicle Assembly Building at the Kennedy Space Center.
Isaacman stated via platform X: "We will begin preparations for returning the rocket, and this will take the launch date that was set in March out of consideration," clarifying that NASA's next opportunities would be in early April or at the end of it.
NASA mentioned that it is reviewing the data and preparing to return the 98-meter-long Space Launch System rocket to the rocket barn for maintenance at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. It is possible that the work might be accomplished at the launch pad, as NASA has reported that engineers are preparing for both options.
Isaacman concluded his remarks saying: "I realize people feel disappointed about this news.. but the truth is, the team at NASA, which has tirelessly worked to prepare for this grand endeavor, feels the most disappointed.".
