After setbacks: NASA to send astronauts to the Moon again

Officials at NASA confirmed on Friday that the agency intends to launch four astronauts on a mission around the Moon and back on 6 March as part of Artemis II. Earlier this week, engineers resolved refuelling issues during a second key launch test.

However, they cautioned that the remaining preparatory work may require additional time.

On Thursday evening, the US space agency completed a nearly 50-hour countdown test for the Artemis II launch, loading the rocket with approximately 730,000 gallons of fuel without detecting any significant hydrogen leaks. Similar leaks had disrupted the initial test last month.

Outstanding tasks include testing the rocket’s flight termination system and conducting a comprehensive flight readiness review. The process will take a full day, during which all hardware and mission procedures will undergo a final double check before lift-off.

(reuters, max)