The Launch Pad

🚨ARTEMIS II UPDATE - NASA Repairs Helium Flow Issue Inside VAB; Preparing For SLS Rollout After returning to the VAB on February 25th; NASA engineers traced the helium flow issue to a seal inside a quick disconnect in the launch vehicle stage adapter. The seal had obstructed the pathway that allows helium to flow from ground systems into the upper stage. Technicians removed and reassembled the quick disconnect hardware and have already begun validating the repair by running helium at a reduced flow rate through the system. Engineers are now assessing what caused the seal to become dislodged to ensure the issue does not recur. Meanwhile, additional work is underway across the vehicle: • Activating a new set of Flight Termination System (FTS) batteries ahead of full retesting • Replacing flight batteries on the upper stage, core stage, and solid rocket boosters • Charging Orion’s Launch Abort System batteries • Replacing a seal on the core stage liquid oxygen feed system (work began March 2) • Preparing to reassemble the oxygen tail service mast umbilical plate and conduct integrity testing Teams will continue work in the coming weeks as NASA prepares to roll the Space Launch System and Orion spacecraft back to the pad later this month, keeping a potential April launch opportunity in view. 🕘Launch T-0: April 1, 2026 📅Launch Window: 6:24PM - 8:24PM EST 🔁Additional opportunities throughApril FOLLOW for latest Artemis II updates! 📸: Zac (Zachary "Astro" Aubert) for TLP

20,453 views