NASA has ordered the rollback of the Artemis II Space Launch System (SLS) rocket from its Florida launch pad to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) for repairs, pushing the Moon mission's launch into April. Engineers discovered an interruption in helium flow into the upper stage's propulsion system Friday evening. The rocket, scheduled for a March 6 launch attempt, must be moved for access to the problem area. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman confirmed the rollback, stating fixes can only occur in the VAB.

This marks the second rollback for the SLS program, following a hydrogen leak incident in April 2022. The March launch window is now off the table, with the next available dates starting April 1. The helium issue emerged during a routine repressurization operation, though the exact cause remains under investigation.

Technicians will extend work platforms around the 322-foot-tall rocket inside the VAB to address the upper stage's purge system, which uses helium to pressurize propellant tanks and engines.