December 23, 2024

NASA to Roll Out Artemis Mega Moon Rocket for First Time

The Orion spacecraft for NASAs Artemis I objective, totally put together with its launch abort system, is lifted above the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket in High Bay 3 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The stacking of Orion on top of the SLS completes assembly for the Artemis I flight test. Groups will begin conducting a series of verification tests ahead of presenting to Launch Complex 39B for the Wet Dress Rehearsal. Artemis I will be an uncrewed test flight of the Orion spacecraft and Space Launch System rocket as an integrated system ahead of crewed flights to the Moon. Under Artemis, NASA intends to land the very first female and first person of color on the Moon and establish sustainable lunar expedition. Credit: NASA/Frank Michaux
Media registration is now available to catch images and video as NASAs Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft present of the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at the firms Kennedy Space Center in Florida this winter season for the first time. SLS and Orion will journey to Launch Pad 39B atop the crawler transporter-2 for a test in preparation for the agencys Artemis I mission.
The exact date for the move is currently under evaluation. Additional info on timing, in addition to interview opportunities and NASA protection for the last prelaunch test, understood as a wet gown wedding rehearsal, will be provided later. No onsite media assistance is prepared throughout the test itself at this time.
Throughout the rollout, media will have the chance to follow the journey from the renowned VAB to the pad from several locations. Professionals from NASA and its partners will be available to address concerns throughout the start and end of rollout operations.

The Orion spacecraft for NASAs Artemis I mission, completely put together with its launch abort system, is lifted above the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket in High Bay 3 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Artemis I will be an uncrewed test flight of the Orion spacecraft and Space Launch System rocket as an integrated system ahead of crewed flights to the Moon. Throughout the test, planned approximately a week after showing up at the pad, teams from Kennedys Exploration Ground Systems, as well as the primary contractor, Jacobs, will load the rocket with more than 700,000 gallons of cryogenic, or supercold, propellants and the group will run through the launch countdown sequence, ending prior to engine ignition. After the test, the rocket and spacecraft will return to the VAB for final checkouts before launch.

This illustration reveals NASAs Space Launch System (SLS) in its Block 1 configuration inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASAs Kennedy Space Center in Florida. From leading to bottom, the entire rocket procedures about 312 feet high and has the capability of lifting payloads with a mass of more than 26 metric lots (57,000 pounds). Credit: NASA
During the test, prepared around a week after reaching the pad, teams from Kennedys Exploration Ground Systems, along with the main contractor, Jacobs, will fill the rocket with more than 700,000 gallons of cryogenic, or supercold, propellants and the team will go through the launch countdown series, ending prior to engine ignition. Engineers also will show procedures to drain pipes the propellants from the rocket. After the test, the rocket and spacecraft will go back to the VAB for last checkouts before launch.
Accreditation for this activity is open to U.S. and worldwide media. International media need to apply by Sunday, November 28. U.S. media must use by Wednesday, December 8.
The first in a series of increasingly intricate objectives, Artemis I will check the Orion spacecraft and SLS rocket as an integrated system ahead of crewed flights to the Moon. With Artemis, NASA will land the very first lady and the very first person of color on the Moon, and develop a long-lasting existence in preparation for missions to Mars.