In collaboration with Aerojet Rocketdyne and Boeing, NASA has successfully attached all four RS-25 engines onto the Space Launch System (SLS) core stage for the upcoming Artemis II mission.
This achievement signifies that the core stage is entering its final assembly phase. The core stage, a crucial component of the SLS mega rocket, will play a pivotal role in propelling the first crewed mission to the moon in the Artemis program.
NASA Artemis II Mission: Last Round of Integration Testing
Engineers at NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans have initiated the last round of integration testing, gearing up for the stage's acceptance review before it is transported to the Kennedy Space Center in Florida in the ensuing months.
Julie Bassler, Manager of the Stages Office for the SLS Program, said in a press statement, "NASA integrated many lessons learned from the first-time build and assembly of the SLS core stage for Artemis I to increase efficiencies during manufacturing and cross-team collaboration with our partners for Artemis II.
NASA teams in New Orleans remain focused on assembling and preparing the SLS rocket's liquid-fueled stage to support the flight." The core stage stands at an impressive 212 feet and comprises two liquid propellant tanks along with four RS-25 engines at its base.
During Artemis II, this core stage, in conjunction with its engines, will serve as the powerhouse of the rocket, generating over two million pounds of thrust for the initial eight minutes of flight.
According to NASA, this substantial force will propel the crew of four astronauts within NASA's Orion spacecraft on an approximately 10-day mission orbiting the moon.
The intricate process of securing and outfitting all four engines to the stage, including tasks like fastening the thrust vector control actuators, ancillary interfaces, and remaining bolts, follows the initial structural connections. This segment is the most time-consuming aspect of the engine assembly process.
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Advanced Stages
NASA noted that the essential components for launching the Artemis II mission with the SLS rocket are now in advanced stages of either completion or development.
The pivotal parts for the rocket's twin solid rocket boosters are presently housed at Kennedy Space Center. On the other hand, the rocket's upper stage, stationed at the facility of lead contractor United Launch Alliance near Kennedy in Florida, is slated for shipment preparations in the spring.
The space agency's mission includes achieving the historic milestone of landing the first woman and person of color on the lunar surface within the Artemis program.
Along with Orion and the Gateway in orbit around the moon and commercial human landing systems, the SLS is part of NASA's backbone for deep space exploration. It is the only rocket capable of sending Orion, astronauts, and vital supplies to the moon in a single mission.
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