Moon mission under threat as Nasa stops its countdown to launch

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Lift off from Kennedy Space Center between 1.33pm and 3.33pm BST

The Artemis test-flight to the Moon was thought to be back on track after a suspect hydrogen leak was fixed, but new problems could set the mission back.

Engineers think they have discovered a possible crack in a flange on the core stage’s intertank area. This is potentially very serious as it could indicate a defect in the thermal protection system.

On top of that, engine number three is still too warm for launch.

Earlier on, an issue regarding the fuel of the rocket had been fixed, although it was noted at the time that changes in weather could still affect the time of launch.

At the time, Derrol Nail, of Nasa Communications, said: “We are looking so good.” However, it is not yet clear whether these latest issues could scupper the launch.

The original launch time was set for 8.33am ET (1.33pm BST), with a two-hour window after that in which the rocket can lift off, but Nasa said: “It is anticipated that the timeline is going to be slipping.” Nasa has stopped the countdown clock 40 minutes from launch as it continues to work out a fix for its engine cooling problem.

If Artemis 1 cannot launch today then the next windows are on September 2 and 5th, although there are concerns that worsening weather could impact the flights, as Florida is reaching hurricane season.

Follow the latest updates below.

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