Posted: Sun, Feb 22 11:50 AM ET (1650 GMT)
Just a day after setting a March launch date for the Artemis 2 mission, NASA said Saturday a launch next month is no longer possible because of a problem with the SLS upper stage. NASA announced Saturday it was preparing to roll back the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft from Launch Complex 39B after finding a problem with the helium pressurization system with the upper stage. The problem was detected after a successful second wet dress rehearsal for the Artemis 2 mission Thursday, with none of the hydrogen leak problems detected during the first test. On Friday, NASA said it was targeting a launch as soon as March 6, the opening of a launch window than runs through March 11. IOn Saturday, NASA said the repairs needed for the upper stage prevented a launch in March, with the next opportunity in early April.

Related Links:

•  SpaceNews article
•  NasaSpaceFlight.com article
•  Ars Technica article
•  AP article
•  NASA statement

Posted: Sun, Feb 22 11:45 AM ET (1645 GMT)
NASA released a report Thursday describing serious technical and organizational failures during the Starliner crewed test flight in 2024. That flight suffered multiple thruster failures during its approach to the International Space Station, and NASA ultimately decided to bring the spacecraft back uncrewed. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said the biggest problem with the flight was not any technical failures but “decision-making and leadership that, if left unchecked, could create a culture incompatible with human spaceflight.” That included debates about what to do with Starliner once it docked at the station that “deteriorated into unprofessional conduct” as well as a lack of engagement from agency leadership at the time. NASA said it was formally classifying the flight as a “Type A” mishap, its most serious type, and Isaacman vowed to implement “leadership accountability” for the incident. He added that Starliner would not fly again until all the issues with the spacecraft are identified and corrected.

Related Links:

•  SpaceNews article
•  CBS News article
•  New York Times article
•  Wall Street Journal article
•  NASA press release

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