NASA Advances Artemis II Mission with Core Stage Preparation for Moon Rocket

A giant leap in the Artemis II mission has been achieved: NASA is advancing the preparation of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket's core stage, setting the scene for the next crewed lunar exploration. This core stage, integral to propelling the rocket beyond Earth’s atmosphere, is being prepped for shipment from the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

NASA and Boeing, the primary contractor for the core stage, executed a critical move on July 6, transporting the Artemis II rocket stage within the Michoud Assembly Facility—a pivotal step ahead of its mid-July journey aboard the Pegasus barge.

The meticulous preparation for this move started in early June, with technicians removing the scaffolding that provided them access to the rocket's internals. This examination was crucial for evaluating the stage's sophisticated avionics and propulsion systems. Such detailed inspection is necessary as the 212-foot core stage houses two large propellant tanks, an advanced flight computer system, and four powerful RS-25 engines—components essential for the launch and flight of the SLS rocket.

The Michoud facility is renowned for the full manufacturing and assembly of the SLS core stage. This synergy between NASA, Boeing, and the lead RS-25 engines contractor, Aerojet Rocketdyne—a subsidiary of L3Harris Technologies—underlines the collaborative approach driving this large-scale project.

NASA’s larger vision with the Artemis campaign is to return humans to the lunar surface and establish a sustainable presence by the late 2020s, paving the way for future Mars exploration. Artemis II marks a historic commitment as NASA plans to land the first woman and the first person of color on the Moon. The Artemis II mission also looks to include its first international partner astronaut on the lunar surface.

The Space Launch System is the cornerstone of NASA's deep space exploration ambitions. Moreover, it complements an ecosystem comprising the Orion spacecraft, terrestrial support systems, next-generation spacesuits, rovers, and the Gateway—a lunar orbiting outpost. The SLS holds the distinction of being the sole launch vehicle capable of transporting the Orion spacecraft, astronauts, and cargo to the Moon on a single mission.

With the core stage soon on its way to Florida, NASA moves closer to realizing its vision for Artemis II and, by extension, setting a precedent for diversity and partnership in space exploration. Such a milestone emphasizes the importance of international cooperation and innovation, vital to unlocking the secrets of lunar science and beyond.