NASA has reached a significant milestone in the Artemis program with the successful integration of the Space Launch System (SLS) core stage for Artemis II at Kennedy Space Center. This achievement marks a major step forward in preparing for the first crewed Artemis mission, which will send four astronauts around the Moon and back.
The 212-foot core stage, built by Boeing, was carefully lifted and secured onto the mobile launcher inside the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). This critical component, equipped with four powerful RS-25 engines, will provide more than two million pounds of thrust to propel the Orion spacecraft beyond Earth’s orbit. The integration process required meticulous planning and precision, ensuring that all components align perfectly for the next phases of assembly and testing.
As NASA continues to prepare for Artemis II, teams will move forward with additional integration work, including attaching the solid rocket boosters and Orion spacecraft. This mission will be a crucial test of NASA’s deep space exploration systems, paving the way for future lunar landings and sustained human presence on the Moon.
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- Image credit: NASA / Frank Michaux
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- Image credit: NASA / Frank Michaux
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- Image credit: NASA / Frank Michaux
“Another element of the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket for Artemis II is poised for flight. Technicians joined the core stage March 23 with the stacked solid rocket boosters for the mission at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.” – via NASA
Image credit: NASA / Frank Michaux
Futuramic is proud to contribute to the Artemis program, supporting NASA’s mission to establish a sustainable human presence beyond Earth. As Artemis II progresses toward launch, we look forward to the continued advancements shaping the future of space exploration.