Futuramic played a crucial role in NASA’s Artemis program by designing and building the Core Stage Vertical Integration Center (CSVIC) tooling. Developed in collaboration with Boeing, this cutting-edge aerospace tooling is essential for the assembly of the Space Launch System (SLS) at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.
Advancing Core Stage Vertical Integration
For Artemis II, NASA introduced a new approach to integrating the SLS core stage. Previously, the massive core stage was assembled horizontally before being lifted and stacked inside the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). With Futuramic’s aerospace tooling, the core stage can now be positioned vertically much earlier, reducing handling risks and streamlining the entire integration process.
“This approach provides a more efficient way to complete the core stage integration,” said Amit Kshatriya, Deputy Associate Administrator for NASA’s Moon to Mars Program. “By stacking vertically, we improve alignment precision and increase overall safety for our workforce.”
The Artemis II core stage, measuring 212 feet tall, was moved into High Bay 2 of the VAB on December 11, 2024, marking the first use of the CSVIC aerospace tooling for an Artemis mission. This milestone event brought together NASA, Boeing, and Futuramic representatives to witness and celebrate advancements in aerospace assembly.
Teams with NASA’s Exploration Ground Systems transport lower the agency’s 212-foot-tall SLS (Space Launch System) core stage into High Bay 2 at the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024. Boeing and their sub-contractor Futuramic refurbished High Bay 2 to increase efficiencies while processing core stages for Artemis II and beyond. Image Credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
How CSVIC Tooling Improves Efficiency
Futuramic’s aerospace tooling enables a more streamlined workflow for assembling the SLS, allowing teams to integrate various components in a controlled and stable environment. Key benefits include:
- Increased Factory Capacity – The ability to integrate the core stage vertically allows NASA to prepare additional SLS components simultaneously, optimizing aerospace production efficiency.
- Improved Precision – Vertical stacking ensures more accurate alignment of the core stage’s aerospace components, reducing the need for adjustments later in the assembly.
- Enhanced Safety – The new tooling provides a stable platform for aerospace technicians to work on the SLS core stage, minimizing risks associated with horizontal handling.
“New platforms enable rocket components to stack vertically earlier in the process, increasing factory capacity,” Boeing stated. The ability to complete vertical stacking earlier improves efficiency and accelerates Artemis mission timelines, a critical factor in aerospace mission planning.
-
- Image Credit: Futuramic
-
- Image Credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
-
- Image Credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
-
- Image Credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
-
- Image Credit: Futuramic
Supporting Artemis II and the Future of Aerospace Exploration
Artemis II Commander Reid Wiseman emphasized the significance of this progress: “It’s incredible to see the core stage in place. The work being done here is vital to getting us back to the Moon.”
The Artemis II mission will be the first crewed flight of the Artemis program, taking astronauts on a journey around the Moon. The successful implementation of Futuramic’s aerospace tooling ensures a smoother and more precise assembly process, contributing to the mission’s readiness.
Following the core stage integration, NASA teams will proceed with attaching the twin solid rocket boosters, the Orion spacecraft, and the launch abort system. These steps will finalize the Artemis II SLS configuration, bringing the mission closer to its highly anticipated launch.
Futuramic’s Core Stage Vertical Integration Center (CSVIC) Tooling. Image Credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
Futuramic’s Dedication to Aerospace Innovation
As a leading provider of advanced aerospace tooling, Futuramic remains committed to supporting deep space exploration through precision engineering and manufacturing excellence.
“Our team takes great pride in supporting the Artemis program,” said Jim Bennett, Futuramic Program Manager. “The Core Stage Vertical Integration Center tooling is a testament to the hard work, precision, and innovation that go into making deep space exploration a reality.”
With Artemis II progressing and future missions on the horizon, Futuramic continues to play a crucial role in advancing aerospace technology. The company looks forward to supporting NASA, Boeing, and the Artemis program as they prepare for Artemis III, which will return astronauts to the lunar surface.