KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FL — NASA announced today, 03 February 2026, that the historic Artemis II mission will be delayed by at least one month following technical complications during its final “wet dress rehearsal.” Originally slated to lift off as early as next week, the mission—which includes Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen—is now targeting a launch window no earlier than March 2026.
Hydrogen Leak Halts Countdown Rehearsal
The delay follows a challenging two-day fueling test at Launch Complex 39B. On Monday, 02 February, engineers detected a liquid hydrogen leak while attempting to load cryogenic propellant into the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket. While NASA officials confirmed early Tuesday morning that they eventually succeeded in loading the propellant and meeting several test objectives, the decision was made to postpone the launch to allow teams to review data and address the leak.
The setback is a familiar one for the SLS program; similar hydrogen leaks plagued the uncrewed Artemis I mission rehearsals in 2022. For Artemis II, the stakes are significantly higher as the mission will carry four astronauts into deep space for the first time in over half a century.
The Mission and the Canadian Connection
Artemis II is the first crewed flight test of the Artemis program, designed to send a crew around the Moon to validate the life-support systems of the Orion spacecraft. This mission is of particular importance to Canada, as Colonel Jeremy Hansen is set to become the first Canadian to travel to deep space, securing Canada’s role as a key partner in lunar exploration.
The crew, who have already spent nearly two weeks in pre-launch quarantine, will now wait for the next available launch windows. According to mission planners, the earliest opportunity opens on 06 March 2026, with several additional windows available throughout the first half of that month.
Technical Specifications: The Artemis II Hardware
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Rocket | Space Launch System (SLS) |
| Spacecraft | Orion |
| Mission Type | Crewed Lunar Flyby (Non-landing) |
| Launch Site | Kennedy Space Center, Pad 39B |
Safety Concerns and Heat Shield Debate
Beyond the fueling issues, the mission has faced scrutiny regarding the Orion spacecraft’s heat shield. Some experts have expressed concerns that the design may carry higher risks than initially projected. NASA maintains that the current testing and the upcoming March launch window provide the necessary margin to ensure crew safety before the ten-day journey around the Moon.
FAQ
When is the new launch date for Artemis II?
Following the fuel leak on 02 February 2026, NASA has pushed the earliest possible launch date to 06 March 2026. There are several launch opportunities throughout the first half of March.
Will the Artemis II mission land on the Moon?
No. Artemis II is a crewed flyby mission intended to test the spacecraft’s systems in deep space. A lunar landing is not planned until the Artemis III mission, which will follow this successful test flight.
Who is the Canadian astronaut on the mission?
Jeremy Hansen is the Canadian Space Agency astronaut assigned to Artemis II. He will serve as a mission specialist, marking the first time a non-American has left Earth’s orbit for the Moon.