“The launch of Artemis I is no longer happening today as teams work through an issue with an engine bleed. Teams will continue to gather data, and we will keep you posted on the timing of the next launch attempt,” NASA posted on Twitter.
The launch of #Artemis I is no longer happening today as teams work through an issue with an engine bleed. Teams wi… https://t.co/Mxpo2Qe4Ki
— NASA (@NASA) 1661777047000
The 322-foot rocket is the most powerful ever built by NASA, out-muscling even the Saturn V that took the Apollo astronauts to the moon.
The announcement comes following an engine bleed issue. The rocket was set to lift off on a mission to put a crew capsule into around the moon.
The flight with three test dummies aboard was scheduled for today.
The fuelling already was running nearly an hour late because of thunderstorms off Florida’s Kennedy Space Centre.
The leak was spotted in the same place that saw seepage during a dress rehearsal earlier. Then a second apparent leak in a valve turned up, officials said.
It had been announced earlier that if Monday’s launch couldn’t go forward, the next attempt wouldn’t be until Friday at the earliest.
The launch represents a major milestone in America’s quest to put astronauts back on the lunar surface for the first time since the Apollo programme ended 50 years ago.