Helium‑Flow Failure Closes March Launch Window On the night of Feb 21, NASA detected an interruption in helium flow through the SLS interim cryogenic propulsion stage, prompting Administrator Jared Isaacman to declare the March launch window no longer viable [1][2]. The anomaly required extensive diagnostics and hardware checks, pushing the schedule back by weeks. NASA announced that the issue would preclude any March attempts, forcing a shift to later dates.

Wet‑Dress Rehearsal Leak Delayed February Launch wet‑dress rehearsal on Feb 6 exposed leaks in the SLS cryogenic propellant system, leading NASA to postpone the originally planned early‑February launch [1][2]. The leak was traced to a valve seal, requiring repairs and additional testing. This setback eliminated the first launch window and set the stage for the later helium‑flow problem.

April Becomes Earliest Viable Launch Month NASA now lists April 1, April 3‑6, and April 30 as the only remaining launch opportunities, making April the final month for Artemis II availability [1][2]. Launch Complex 39 at Kennedy Space Center remains the designated pad. The agency warned that further technical or weather issues could still cause additional delays.

Crew and Mission Objectives Confirmed for Ten‑Day Flight Commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, mission specialist Christina Koch, and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen will fly the Orion capsule on a ten‑day lunar flyby [1][2]. After launch, the crew will spend roughly two days near Earth to verify Orion’s systems, then proceed toward the Moon to test life‑support and other capabilities needed for future surface missions. The mission will also perform a targeting demonstration and gather data on the Space Launch System’s performance.