Artemis 2 returns to the pad for April launch attempt

The Artemis 2 launch vehicle and spacecraft have returned to the launch pad for a launch as soon as April 1. The mobile launch platform carrying the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft emerged from the Vehicle Assembly Building at 12:20 a.m. Eastern on March 20. High winds delayed the move nearly four and a half hours past the planned time. The platform reached Launch Complex 39B 11 hours later. Artemis 2 first rolled out to the pad on Jan. 17 and completed two wet dress rehearsals. NASA rolled the rocket back to the Vehicle Assembly Building on Feb. 21 after setting a March 6 launch date to address a helium blockage in the upper stage. Engineers traced the blockage to a dislodged seal in a quick-disconnect line. A flight readiness review on March 12 led NASA to approve the return to the pad. The agency does not plan another wet dress rehearsal or fueling test there. Officials said they had resolved seal issues that caused hydrogen leaks during the first wet dress rehearsal in early February. Lori Glaze, acting associate administrator for exploration systems development, spoke at the March 12 briefing. She said the next tanking of the vehicle should take place on a day suitable for launch. A successful full tanking would allow a poll for a go to launch. NASA has two-hour launch windows available daily between April 1 and April 6. The first window opens at 6:24 p.m. Eastern on April 1. Operational limits restrict the agency to four attempts during the six-day period.