NASA experienced unexpected delays after fuel leaks interrupted a major test of its new moon rocket on Monday at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The test was meant to confirm whether the rocket is ready to carry astronauts around the moon for the first time in decades. However, the leaks raised concerns about timing, especially as launch opportunities are limited each month. Officials explained that similar problems occurred during earlier testing, increasing pressure to resolve the issue quickly.

The problem appeared during the process of loading extremely cold hydrogen and oxygen into the rocket. Engineers detected unsafe hydrogen levels near the base and stopped fueling several times to prevent danger. These actions followed established procedures developed after previous delays. While no injuries were reported, the situation highlighted the importance of careful monitoring. Four astronauts assigned to the mission observed the test remotely while staying in quarantine. NASA stated that the test results will help decide whether the mission can continue as scheduled. The upcoming flight will send astronauts past the moon and back to Earth to check life support and navigation systems. Officials emphasized that this mission plays a critical role in preparing for future landings, even though no landing is planned this time.