NASA moon rocket experiences hydrogen leak during fueling test

A hydrogen leak was detected during a fueling dress rehearsal at Kennedy Space Center, briefly pausing operations while teams worked the issue; the outcome of the demo will determine whether the crewed lunar fly-by can launch this weekend, with a Feb. 11 deadline for the current window.

NASA encountered a hydrogen leak while fueling its moon rocket during a final dress rehearsal at Kennedy Space Center. Teams paused and later resumed fueling during the daylong test as they worked to address the issue. The exercise is designed to mirror the final stages of a countdown and confirm readiness for a crewed lunar fly-by. The result of the fueling demo will determine whether the mission can proceed in this month's launch window. Key facts: - A hydrogen leak was detected near the base of the rocket during the fueling demonstration, prompting temporary pauses. - Fueling operations were stopped and restarted several times as teams applied procedures developed from earlier SLS work. - The crew, including NASA and Canadian Space Agency members, monitored the rehearsal from Houston while in quarantine. - NASA needs the rocket to fly by Feb. 11 to use this month's window; otherwise the mission would be postponed until March. - Successful completion of the fueling demo would clarify whether a launch attempt could occur as soon as the coming weekend. Summary: The detected leak interrupted a critical test that stands between teams and a planned crewed lunar fly-by. Controllers are continuing the fueling demonstration and have not announced a definitive launch date; its successful completion would allow a launch attempt as soon as the coming weekend, but the mission must fly by Feb. 11 or be delayed until March.