NASA has been forced to postponed launch of its Artemis 1 moon rocket.
The launch of the world’s most powerful rocket was cancelled after a hydrogen leak was discovered in one of its engines.
The Artemis 1 could now lift off from Cape Canaveral on Friday as today’s launch window has now passed.
#Artemis I update: Launch is currently in an unplanned hold as the team works on an issue with engine number 3 on the @NASA_SLS core stage. Operations commentary continues at https://t.co/z1RgZwQkWS https://t.co/mFyoeRMC6q
— NASA (@NASA) August 29, 2022
“The launch of Artemis 1 is no longer happening today as teams work through an issue with an engine bleed,” NASA said on Twitter.
“Teams will continue to gather data, and we will keep you posted on the timing of the next launch attempt.”
The liquid hydrogen leak was discovered just 40 minutes before the rocket was due to take off.
The test flight is due to carry an Orion crew capsule to a planned six-week uncrewed voyage around the moon and back.
The capsule is carrying on male and two female mannequins fitted with sensors to measure radiation levels and other stresses human astronauts will face.
Future missions will return humans to the moon for the first time in 50 years.
