NASA has postponed the launch of the Artemis II mission to March, after issues encountered during the general rehearsal.

NASA has announced that the Artemis II mission, which was set to take place on February 8, has been postponed to March. The decision came after a general rehearsal with fueling, during which difficulties were encountered, including hydrogen leaks and delays caused by cold weather.

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman acknowledged that, given the long interval between SLS launches, it was expected that problems would arise. The Artemis II mission will carry four astronauts on a 10-day journey beyond the far side of the Moon, setting a new record for the distance traveled by humans from Earth. The astronauts, who entered quarantine on January 21, will be released from quarantine and will enter again two weeks before the next launch date, which includes March 6, 7, 8, 9, and 11.