NASA Stacks Artemis II Moon Rocket Ahead of Launch Prep
February 3, 2023
NASA has stacked the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft for the Artemis II mission, a critical step toward returning humans to the Moon.
The stacking process began at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Friday, February 3, 2023. The solid rocket boosters were attached to the core stage of the SLS, followed by the interim cryogenic propulsion stage (ICPS). The Orion spacecraft was then lifted atop the ICPS, completing the 322-foot-tall (98-meter) rocket.
“This is a major milestone for the Artemis program,” said Mike Sarafin, Artemis II mission manager. “The stacking of the rocket and spacecraft is a tangible sign of our progress toward returning humans to the Moon.”
Artemis II is the second mission in NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon by the end of the decade. The mission will send four astronauts into lunar orbit for a period of up to 10 days. The crew will test the Orion spacecraft and SLS rocket, as well as perform a series of experiments.
“Artemis II is a critical mission for the Artemis program,” said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. “It will help us to learn more about the Moon and prepare for future human missions to Mars.”
The stacking of the Artemis II rocket and spacecraft is a complex process that requires precision and teamwork. The rocket and spacecraft are assembled in the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at the Kennedy Space Center. The VAB is one of the largest buildings in the world, and it provides a controlled environment for stacking and preparing the rocket for launch.
Once the stacking is complete, the rocket and spacecraft will be moved to Launch Pad 39B at the Kennedy Space Center. The launch window for Artemis II is currently scheduled for May 2024.
The Artemis II mission is a major step toward NASA’s goal of returning humans to the Moon. The mission will help to pave the way for future human missions to Mars and beyond.
Stacking Artemis II
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