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 good so far.” 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.” 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.
