Tank leak forces NASA to scrub Artemis I launch Saturday afternoon

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BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — Saturday NASA tried for the second time to launch Artemis I rocket but a leak in a hydrogen tank forced them to stand down for the day.

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NASA plans to hold a briefing Saturday at 4 p.m. when we will find out if they will continue with the backup date on Monday, Labor Day, or if they will need to roll the rocket back to the VAB for further inspection.

The trouble started around 7:30 a.m. when a fuel leak was detected on a hydrogen tank during initial fueling.

The team attempted multiple times to try and stop the leak but those attempts did not work.

READ: LIVE UPDATES: NASA scrubs 2nd attempt to launch Artemis I moon rocket

NASA’s first attempt on Aug. 29, was scrubbed due to issues with the SLS rocket’s No. 3 engine.

The rocket was set to lift off on a flight to propel a crew capsule into orbit around the moon. The six-week mission was scheduled to end with the capsule returning to Earth in a splashdown in the Pacific in October.

READ: Artemis I: 9 things to know about NASA’s mission to return humans to the moon

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