NASA has announced a delay in its Artemis II mission, which was scheduled to take astronauts around the Moon later this year. Engineers discovered issues with a helium valve in the rocket’s upper stage, prompting safety reviews.
Originally planned for November 2024, the mission is now expected to launch in early 2025. Artemis II is crucial as it will be the first crewed lunar flyby in over 50 years and a step toward establishing a long-term human presence on the Moon. The delay impacts international partners, including the European and Canadian space agencies. NASA emphasized safety over schedule, noting that astronauts’ lives are the top priority.
ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) officials expressed solidarity with NASA and reaffirmed support for global space collaboration. Indian scientists are watching the Artemis project closely as India prepares for its own manned Gaganyaan mission.