NASA had to call off the new moon rocket launch

NASA had to call off the launch of its Space Launch System (SLS), the biggest new moon rocket.

Controllers of the rocket struggled to get an engine cooled down to its correct operating temperature on the 100m tall vehicle. Previously they were worried about a crack high up on the rocket, but it eventually appeared and was determined to be mere frost build-up. The SLS is the biggest rocket ever developed by NASA and will be used to send astronauts back to the Moon.

The scrub has definitely disappointed thousands of spectators who had gathered on local causeways and beaches to see the most powerful rocket in 50 years fly skyward. If the engine issue could be resolved, NASA has the option to try again on Friday. However, it might take several weeks if controllers have to roll the rocket back to Kennedy's assembly building to swap out the engine.

The maiden flight of the Space Launch System is a part of the Artemis program of NASA. But it is just a demonstration with no one on board. But ever more complex missions are planned for the future that will see people live for weeks on the lunar surface at a time.