NASA will roll the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft for Artemis II off the launch pad at Kennedy Space Center as soon as Tuesday, Feb. 24, pending weather conditions. The move comes after engineers identified an issue with helium flow to the rocket’s upper stage, which requires further analysis and repairs. The rollback will take teams back to the Vehicle Assembly Building for troubleshooting.
The decision to begin preparations for the rollback followed a Feb. 21 meeting where managers ordered the removal of recently installed platforms ahead of high winds expected on the Space Coast. This allowed teams to prepare for the rollback while discussions about the helium issue continued. Engineers are now focused on determining the root cause of the problem and implementing fixes.
The rollback process involves moving the rocket and spacecraft approximately 4 miles to the Vehicle Assembly Building, a task that could take several hours. Teams are finalizing the timeline for the operation, which is expected to begin as soon as Tuesday. The move is a standard procedure when technical challenges arise before launch.
NASA has not provided a new launch date for Artemis II, but officials emphasized that the rollback is a necessary step to ensure the safety and success of the mission. The agency is continuing to monitor weather conditions and will update the public as more details emerge.