The United States is set to take a major step back toward the Moon. Nasa has confirmed that it is targeting March 6, 2026, for the launch of its next crewed lunar mission after completing a crucial wet dress rehearsal and resolving earlier fuel leaks detected during testing.
The wet dress rehearsal, a full-scale practice countdown that includes loading the rocket with super-cold propellants, was completed successfully this week. Engineers had previously identified hydrogen leaks during the first wet test, prompting a delay and an extensive technical review.
According to Nasa officials, those leaks have now been fixed, and the latest test showed no recurrence of the issue.
“The wet test went successfully, and we were able to address the leaks observed during the first attempt,” Nasa said in a statement. “We will now move into an extensive review process and comb through every system of the Space Launch System rocket before certification.”
The Space Launch System (SLS), the most powerful rocket ever built by Nasa, will carry astronauts aboard the Orion spacecraft on a mission designed to pave the way for a sustained human presence on the Moon. The upcoming launch marks another milestone in the agency’s long-term lunar exploration plans.
A formal Flight Readiness Review (FRR) is scheduled to take place by the end of next week. During the FRR, mission managers, engineers and safety officials will evaluate data from the wet dress rehearsal and other system tests before giving final clearance for liftoff.
Nasa emphasised that safety remains the top priority. Teams will conduct an extensive certification process, carefully reviewing propulsion, avionics, life-support systems, and ground operations to ensure the vehicle is fully ready for flight.
Meanwhile, the astronaut crew is expected to enter a “soft quarantine” shortly. This standard precaution limits exposure to illnesses and ensures the crew is in peak health ahead of the mission.
If all reviews proceed as planned, March 6 could mark a historic return of astronauts to deep space, signalling that the path back to the lunar surface is firmly on track.
