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NASA finally fuels moon rocket, but first launch remains a question

The test was largely successful, NASA said. But a hydrogen leak cut it slightly short.

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Updated June 21, 2022 at 1:04 p.m. EDT|Published June 21, 2022 at 12:37 p.m. EDT
In this photo provided by NASA, NASA's Space Launch System rocket and Orion crew capsule are seen on the launchpad at Launch Complex 39B at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., on June 20. NASA fueled the rocket for the first time on June 20 and completed a countdown test despite a fuel line leak. (NASA via AP)
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NASA finally fully fueled its massive moon rocket on Monday, but a hydrogen leak forced the agency to cut short a simulated countdown, and it is not clear when the agency might attempt to launch the rocket for the first time.

Despite the leak, NASA officials on Tuesday hailed the test — its fourth attempt — as a success that will put it on a path to launch the Orion spacecraft to the moon later this year as part of its Artemis lunar campaign.