ORLANDO, Fla. — In a post on its Twitter page Monday night, NASA announced that the Artemis I mission to the moon will not launch earlier than Sept. 27.

During a media teleconference on Sept. 8, NASA leaders said they were working towards a plan that could see the 322-foot-tall Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft launch as soon as either Sept. 23 or 27.

With Monday's announcement, Sept. 27 is now the target date with an Oct. 2 backup.

The most recent launch attempt was on Sept. 3, but was reportedly canceled due to a hydrogen leak.

On its website, NASA officials said a demonstration test will not take place earlier than Sept. 21, saying they planned to use the extra time to make sure everything is completely in order for the launch.

"The updated dates represent careful consideration of multiple logistical topics, including the additional value of having more time to prepare for the cryogenic demonstration test, and subsequently more time to prepare for the launch," a statement on NASA's website said "The dates also allow managers to ensure teams have enough rest and to replenish supplies of cryogenic propellants."

The NASA statement went on to explain some of the work that has been going on behind the scenes that led to the Sept. 27 determination.

"Over the weekend, Artemis I teams completed repair work to the area of a hydrogen leak, reconnecting the ground- and rocket-side plates on the quick disconnect for the liquid hydrogen fuel feed line where two seals were replaced last week. This week, teams will conduct tests at ambient conditions to ensure there is a tight bond between the two plates before testing again during the cryogenic tanking demonstration, and begin preparations for the test.

During the demonstration, launch controllers will load supercold liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen into the core stage and interim cryogenic propulsion stage of the SLS rocket. The demonstration will allow teams to confirm the hydrogen leak has been repaired, evaluate updated propellant loading procedures designed to reduce thermal and pressure-related stress on the system, conduct a kick-start bleed test, and evaluate pre-pressurization procedures.

NASA is continuing to respect the Eastern Range’s process for review of the agency’s request for an extension of the current testing requirement for the flight termination system and is providing additional information and data as needed. In parallel, the agency is continuing preparations for the cryogenic demonstration test and potential launch opportunities, should the request be approved."

Specific times for the potential launch opportunities are as follows:

Sept 27: 70-minute launch window opens at 11:37 a.m. EDT; landing on Nov. 5

Under review — Oct. 2: 109-minute launch window opens at 2:52 p.m.; landing on Nov. 11