Timeline
February 23, 2026 — February 27, 2026
Tech
Timeline: How NASA's Artemis II Launch Delays Led to a Major Program Overhaul
NASA's Artemis II mission, intended to be the first crewed lunar mission since Apollo, faced repeated delays in February 2026 due to technical issues with the Space Launch System rocket. These setbacks prompted a complete restructuring of the Artemis program, including the addition of new test missions and postponement of the Moon landing until 2028.
11 events · 5 days · 12 source articles
Sat, Jan 31, 2026
Minor
SLS Rocket Rolled to Launch Position
NASA moved the Space Launch System rocket carrying the Artemis II mission to the launchpad at Kennedy Space Center in late January, preparing for an initial launch window opening on February 6, 2026. This was meant to be the first crewed mission to the Moon since the Apollo program ended in 1972.
Fri, Feb 6, 2026
Moderate
Initial Launch Window Opens, But Weather Delays Fuel Test
The original launch window for Artemis II opened, but freezing cold weather prevented NASA from conducting an essential 'wet dress rehearsal' where 700,000 gallons of liquid hydrogen and oxygen would be pumped into the SLS rocket's tanks. This was the first in a series of delays that would plague the mission.
Tue, Feb 10, 2026
Moderate
Hydrogen Leaks Discovered During Fueling Test
When NASA finally conducted the wet dress rehearsal, hydrogen leaks occurred during the fueling process, forcing teams to stop the test. This discovery led to the first postponement of the launch, initially moving it from early February into March.
Sun, Feb 22, 2026
Moderate
Near-Perfect Test Completed Successfully
NASA completed a wet dress rehearsal for the Artemis II mission with no major issues, raising hopes that the launch could proceed. Teams successfully fueled the rocket and ran through launch procedures without encountering the hydrogen leaks that had plagued earlier attempts.
Mon, Feb 23, 2026
Major
Helium Flow Issue Forces Another Delay to April
Just one day after the successful test, engineers observed interrupted helium flow to the rocket's interim cryogenic propulsion stage. Helium is essential for maintaining proper environmental conditions and pressurizing propellant tanks. NASA announced the launch would be delayed until April and the rocket would need to return to the Vehicle Assembly Building for repairs.
Wed, Feb 25, 2026
Moderate
SLS Rocket Rolled Back to Vehicle Assembly Building
The Artemis II Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft were moved back to the Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy Space Center after more than ten hours of rollback operations. This retreat to the hangar allowed teams to address the helium flow problems but signaled deeper issues with the mission's readiness.
Fri, Feb 27, 2026
Major
NASA Administrator Announces Major Artemis Program Overhaul
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman held a press conference announcing sweeping changes to the Artemis program. Acknowledging that launching SLS 'every three and a half years or so is not a recipe for success,' Isaacman revealed plans to increase mission cadence and make fundamental changes to how NASA approaches lunar exploration. The announcement came amid growing concerns that China's space program might reach the Moon first.
Fri, Feb 27, 2026
Major
New Test Mission Added for 2027 in Earth Orbit
NASA announced it would add an additional flight in 2027 where astronauts will dock with commercial moon landers from SpaceX and/or Blue Origin in low-Earth orbit. This mission will test navigation, communications, propulsion, life support systems, and rendezvous procedures, along with a new Axiom Space spacesuit. This new mission will become Artemis III, replacing the planned Moon landing.
Fri, Feb 27, 2026
Major
Moon Landing Postponed from 2027 to 2028
The actual Moon landing, originally scheduled for Artemis III in 2027, was pushed back to Artemis IV in 2028. NASA stated the additional test mission was necessary to reduce risk and lay proper groundwork before attempting to land astronauts on the lunar surface for the first time since 1972. The agency aims for at least one surface landing every year thereafter.
Fri, Feb 27, 2026
Major
Expensive Boeing Rocket Upgrade Cancelled
As part of the program overhaul, NASA cancelled a multibillion-dollar Boeing-developed Exploration Upper Stage upgrade for the SLS rocket. Instead, the agency plans to standardize the current rocket configuration to enable more frequent launches and reduce costs, addressing concerns about the sustainability of the program.
Fri, Feb 27, 2026
Moderate
NASA Plans Two Potential Moon Landings in 2028
Under the revised schedule, NASA announced plans for at least one and possibly two lunar landing missions in 2028, incorporating lessons learned from the preceding Earth orbit test flight. This represents a shift to 'smaller, faster steps forward' and mirrors the incremental approach of the original Apollo program.
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