Fuel leak thwarts NASA's dress rehearsal for moon rocket

The latest attempt to fuel the huge moon rocket was stopped by a hydrogen leak, the latest in a series of vexing equipment trouble.

The launch team was loading fuel into the core stage of the rocket when the leak occurred. This was the third dress rehearsal for a test flight to the moon.

The launch team was able to load some liquid hydrogen and oxygen into the core stage of the Space Launch System rocket, but fell short of the full amount. Officials noted that the systems had been checked for leaks prior to the test.

The smaller upper stage was left empty after a bad valve was discovered. Until the rocket is back in its hangar at Kennedy Space Center, the valve inside the upper stage can't be replaced.

Two previous attempts were marred by fans and a valve that was left open.

They are assessing their next steps.

The launch debut of the 322-foot (98-meter) SLS rocket was supposed to be in June. The empty capsule will be sent on a four- to six-week mission around the moon and back.

The second test flight around the moon is planned for 2024. The first lunar landing by astronauts since 1972 would follow as early as 2025. The crews for these two missions will be announced this summer.

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