(Cape Canaveral, FL) - NASA's Artemis II rocket and Orion spacecraft have arrived at the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at Kennedy Space Center for repairs.
The four-mile trek from launchpad to the VAB takes about 12 hours to complete.
Engineers are working on a helium flow issue detected during a wet dress rehearsal which has delayed its manned moon launch until April.
According to NASA: "The SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and Orion spacecraft for NASA’s Artemis II mission arrived at the Vehicle Assembly Building from Launch Pad 39B at approximately 8 p.m. EST Feb. 25, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
While in the assembly building, technicians will troubleshoot the helium flow issue to the rocket’s upper stage, replace batteries on the rocket’s upper stage, core stage, and solid rocket boosters as well as service its flight termination system."
NASA says helium was not flowing properly to the rocket's upper stage which is critical for pressurizing the tanks and ensuring engine operation.
Congress is also considering a bill to extend the life of the 25-year-old International Space Station two more years from 2030 to 2032.
The measure also directs NASA to build a base on the moon as part of its Artemis 11 lunar program.