NASA delays critical Artemis 2 rocket fueling test
Digest more
With the wet dress rehearsal, essentially a critical fueling test of the Artemis 2 Space Launch System moon rocket, now back on Feb. 2, NASA said in a statement that it can no longer target Feb. 6 or Feb. 7, the first two days of its launch window. The Artemis 2 launch window originally ran from Feb. 6 to Feb. 10.
NASA has announced the final test before an Artemis II launch date. Here's what to expect from this weekend's wet dress rehearsal.
One of the first-stage fuel tanks for Rocket Lab's next-generation Neutron rocket failed during pressure testing, SpaceNews reports. Although Rocket Lab is said to be working on a replacement, this will add further delay to the first flight test, which has already slipped into 2026 after an original plan for a late-2025 debut.
Shares of Rocket Lab have fallen nearly 20% from recent record highs, following a Neutron test failure and uncertainty about its launch schedule.
A tank built for Rocket Lab’s Neutron rocket was damaged during qualification testing, threatening to further delay the vehicle’s first flight.
Rocket Lab is pushing ahead with certification, despite recent delays.
Rocket Lab shares are trading higher Tuesday morning, shaking off Monday's weakness as investors cheer a major hardware delivery for the upcoming Neutron rocket.
China conducts static fire test of new reusable Long March 12B rocket China’s main space contractor performed a static fire test of a new reusable Long March rocket Friday, paving the way for a test flight.