Created an update thread for EM-2: https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=54249.new#newArtemis-III's elements are still in early construction so they arguably can stay in their respective Orion and SLS Development threads for now?
... Pretty much as we expected, curious though what part of Artemis III would need federal judge?
Quote from: Khadgars on 09/23/2021 02:34 pm... Pretty much as we expected, curious though what part of Artemis III would need federal judge?That's clearly a reference to the Blue Origin / HLS suit, as HLS is integral to Artemis III.
If HLS gets held up, Artemis III will likely be something different than the landing. Maybe a lunar orbital flight (with or without gateway).
Quote from: kdhilliard on 09/23/2021 02:51 pmQuote from: Khadgars on 09/23/2021 02:34 pm... Pretty much as we expected, curious though what part of Artemis III would need federal judge?That's clearly a reference to the Blue Origin / HLS suit, as HLS is integral to Artemis III.Ah right, forgot about that.
Quote from: Khadgars on 09/23/2021 04:31 pmQuote from: kdhilliard on 09/23/2021 02:51 pmQuote from: Khadgars on 09/23/2021 02:34 pm... Pretty much as we expected, curious though what part of Artemis III would need federal judge?That's clearly a reference to the Blue Origin / HLS suit, as HLS is integral to Artemis III.Ah right, forgot about that.If NASA's Artemis HLS gets held up due to the lawsuit, then by the time an Artemis HLS lands on the Moon, They will find a purely commercial Starship HLS sitting there waiting for them. Elon didn't really care about the Moon, but Jeff has now gotten his attention with the lawsuit. Funding might be similar to dearMoon.
Quote from: DanClemmensen on 09/24/2021 02:45 pmQuote from: Khadgars on 09/23/2021 04:31 pmQuote from: kdhilliard on 09/23/2021 02:51 pmQuote from: Khadgars on 09/23/2021 02:34 pm... Pretty much as we expected, curious though what part of Artemis III would need federal judge?That's clearly a reference to the Blue Origin / HLS suit, as HLS is integral to Artemis III.Ah right, forgot about that.If NASA's Artemis HLS gets held up due to the lawsuit, then by the time an Artemis HLS lands on the Moon, They will find a purely commercial Starship HLS sitting there waiting for them. Elon didn't really care about the Moon, but Jeff has now gotten his attention with the lawsuit. Funding might be similar to dearMoon.Except as you stated, SpaceX wasn't interested in the moon. I don't see them developing Lunar Starship without NASA contract.
https://twitter.com/SciGuySpace/status/1483459973027926016
According to Twitter, components for the Artemis 4 and Artemis 5 missions are being manufactured. Are there any publicly available photos of components for the Artemis 4 and 5 missions under construction?
https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/1-18-2022_heo-integrated-nac_lueders-free1.pdf
Quote from: Vahe231991 on 02/04/2022 09:13 pmAccording to Twitter, components for the Artemis 4 and Artemis 5 missions are being manufactured. Are there any publicly available photos of components for the Artemis 4 and 5 missions under construction?In the file posted earlier (below), there are images of a booster segment and the core stage engine section for Artemis IV on page 28.Quote from: XRZ.YZ on 01/19/2022 12:33 amhttps://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/1-18-2022_heo-integrated-nac_lueders-free1.pdf
While the third European Service Module continues to be built up in Bremen, the fourth Service Module structure is expected to arrive in the Summer. This module will be part of the Artemis IV mission and will see Orion push the I-Hab crew module to the lunar Gateway.
NASA joined the Space Launch System rocket’s core stage forward assembly with the 130-foot liquid hydrogen tank for the Artemis II mission on March 18. This completes assembly of four of the five large structures that make up the core stage that will help send the first astronauts to lunar orbit on Artemis II.The 66-foot forward assembly consists of the forward skirt, liquid oxygen tank and the intertank, which were mated earlier. Engineers inserted 360 bolts to connect the forward assembly to the liquid hydrogen tank to make up the bulk of the stage. Only the engine section, which is currently being outfitted and includes the main propulsion systems that connect to the four RS-25 engines, remains to be added to form the final core stage.
The core stage liquid hydrogen tank for the Artemis III mission completed proof testing, and technicians returned it to the main factory building at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans where it will undergo more outfitting. As part of proof testing, technicians apply a simple soap solution and check for leaks by observing any bubble formation on the welds. The technician removed the bubble solution with distilled water and then dried the area of application to prevent corrosion. To build the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket’s 130-foot core stage liquid hydrogen tank, engineers use robotic tools to weld five-barrel segments. This process results in a tank with around 1,900 feet, or more than six football fields, of welds that must be tested by hand. After the leak tests, the core stage lead, Boeing, pressurized the SLS tank to further ensure there were no leaks. After it passed proof testing, technicians moved the Artemis III liquid hydrogen tank to Michoud’s main factory. Soon, the technicians will prime and apply a foam-based thermal protection system that protects the tank during launch. Later, the tank will be joined with other parts of the core stage to form the entire 212-foot rocket stage with its four RS-25 engines that produce 2 million pounds of thrust to help launch the rocket. Artemis III will land the first astronauts on the lunar surface. Photographed on Monday, April 18, 2022.Source: https://images.nasa.gov/details-MAF_20220118_CS3_LH2_303to451_637
While the Artemis I team prepares for its upcoming mission, NASA and contractor teams are already building rockets to support future Artemis Moon missions. In United Launch Alliance’s (ULA) factory in Decatur, Alabama, major components have been completed for the Artemis III interim cryogenic propulsion stage (ICPS) that will provide the power to send astronauts to the Moon. The ICPS, which is built by ULA under a collaborative partnership with Boeing, provides in-space propulsion for the Orion spacecraft after the solid rocket boosters and core stage put SLS into an Earth orbit, and before the spacecraft is flying on its own. The liquid hydrogen tank (left) is built, and soon it will be mated to the intertank (right) that connects it with the liquid oxygen tank.
QuoteThe core stage liquid hydrogen tank for the Artemis III mission completed proof testing, and technicians returned it to the main factory building at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans where it will undergo more outfitting. As part of proof testing, technicians apply a simple soap solution and check for leaks by observing any bubble formation on the welds. The technician removed the bubble solution with distilled water and then dried the area of application to prevent corrosion. To build the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket’s 130-foot core stage liquid hydrogen tank, engineers use robotic tools to weld five-barrel segments. This process results in a tank with around 1,900 feet, or more than six football fields, of welds that must be tested by hand. After the leak tests, the core stage lead, Boeing, pressurized the SLS tank to further ensure there were no leaks. After it passed proof testing, technicians moved the Artemis III liquid hydrogen tank to Michoud’s main factory. Soon, the technicians will prime and apply a foam-based thermal protection system that protects the tank during launch. Later, the tank will be joined with other parts of the core stage to form the entire 212-foot rocket stage with its four RS-25 engines that produce 2 million pounds of thrust to help launch the rocket. Artemis III will land the first astronauts on the lunar surface. Photographed on Monday, April 18, 2022.Source: https://images.nasa.gov/details-MAF_20220118_CS3_LH2_303to451_637
New NASASpaceFlight article giving an update on the Orion for Artemis II as well as the other Orion spacecraft in the program.https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2022/06/orion-status-update/
Since the fourth WDR test for the SLS rocket earmarked for the Artemis 1 mission was a largely successful one despite a minor LH2 leak at the QD, is it possible that NASA has plans to make a few technical and structural adjustments to the hardware of the SLS rockets earmarked for the Artemis 2 and Artemis 3 missions, that way the rockets for these two missions could each undergo two or three WDR tests?
Quote from: Vahe231991 on 06/21/2022 12:36 amSince the fourth WDR test for the SLS rocket earmarked for the Artemis 1 mission was a largely successful one despite a minor LH2 leak at the QD, is it possible that NASA has plans to make a few technical and structural adjustments to the hardware of the SLS rockets earmarked for the Artemis 2 and Artemis 3 missions, that way the rockets for these two missions could each undergo two or three WDR tests?I dont think they will do WDR for the other hardware like they did for Artemis 1. Once this hardware has been WDRd and qualified it should apply to all subsequent hardware.
Quote from: cplchanb on 06/21/2022 03:24 pmQuote from: Vahe231991 on 06/21/2022 12:36 amSince the fourth WDR test for the SLS rocket earmarked for the Artemis 1 mission was a largely successful one despite a minor LH2 leak at the QD, is it possible that NASA has plans to make a few technical and structural adjustments to the hardware of the SLS rockets earmarked for the Artemis 2 and Artemis 3 missions, that way the rockets for these two missions could each undergo two or three WDR tests?I dont think they will do WDR for the other hardware like they did for Artemis 1. Once this hardware has been WDRd and qualified it should apply to all subsequent hardware.Most rockets are WDRed before launch, why wouldn’t they do at least one WDR for the later SLSes?
Most rockets are WDRed before launch, why wouldn’t they do at least one WDR for the later SLSes?
Solid Rocket Motors for Art-IV began pouring in Utah in Jan/22. 5 years puts that at Jan-2027, 7 years Jan 2029. The currently vertically/stacked Art-I and the horizontally stored/unstacked Art-II and Art-III flight sets are going to have some years on them before flying. I wonder if they'll need any waivers for their use?
According to NASA officials, the Orion spacecraft planned to be used for the Artemis 2 mission won't be reused, but the Orion for Artemis 3 will be used again for the future Artemis 6 mission.
If so what happens if the Orion for Artemis 1 is not successfully recovered?
Quote from: oldAtlas_Eguy on 06/25/2022 10:11 pmIf so what happens if the Orion for Artemis 1 is not successfully recovered?If the Artemis 1 Orion is not successfully recovered, there will be major delays regardless of avionics hardware availability.
Quote from: lrk on 06/28/2022 12:16 amQuote from: oldAtlas_Eguy on 06/25/2022 10:11 pmIf so what happens if the Orion for Artemis 1 is not successfully recovered?If the Artemis 1 Orion is not successfully recovered, there will be major delays regardless of avionics hardware availability. The Orion capsule for the Artemis 1 capsule will surely be successfully retrieved, even though the Orion capsules earmarked for the Artemis 1 and Artemis 2 missions won't be reused.
The liquid oxygen (LOX) tank for Core Stage-3, which is assigned to the Artemis 3 SLS vehicle, is the last structure that needs to be assembled. There are five main structural elements for a Core Stage, a forward skirt, LOX tank, intertank, liquid hydrogen (LH2) tank, and engine section.
Upper Stage Propulsion System for Future Artemis Mission Reaches Major Milestone [dated May 25]Quote from: NASAWhile the Artemis I team prepares for its upcoming mission, NASA and contractor teams are already building rockets to support future Artemis Moon missions. In United Launch Alliance’s (ULA) factory in Decatur, Alabama, major components have been completed for the Artemis III interim cryogenic propulsion stage (ICPS) that will provide the power to send astronauts to the Moon. The ICPS, which is built by ULA under a collaborative partnership with Boeing, provides in-space propulsion for the Orion spacecraft after the solid rocket boosters and core stage put SLS into an Earth orbit, and before the spacecraft is flying on its own. The liquid hydrogen tank (left) is built, and soon it will be mated to the intertank (right) that connects it with the liquid oxygen tank.
Moreover, Ladwig states, the Artemis II vehicle will reuse select avionics from the Artemis I crew module; this practice will continue to dramatically increase, she says, to the point where the Artemis III pressure vessel capsule will be entirely refurbished for the Artemis VI mission.
Is there any reason why select avionics from the Artemis 1 capsule will be re-used for the Artemis 2 capsule?
Reusing electronics happened during Apollo mostly for speed, to my knowledge.
The core stage still confuses me—all of that booster to put Orion2 and the service module into a very low LEO. As far as I can tell, the Saturn 5 put more payload on the moon. Artemis is a waste of money. Can SpaceX just put a different fairing on a Falcon Heavy, which will place the Orion into a trip to Lunar orbit? What does it prove to put the core stage into a very low LEO? Artemis should be canceled or redone. No one wastes money like NASA. Could you tell me where my thinking is wrong? a 200 million launch vs. 2 billion?
Quote from: AnnK on 11/19/2022 04:20 amThe core stage still confuses me—all of that booster to put Orion2 and the service module into a very low LEO. As far as I can tell, the Saturn 5 put more payload on the moon. Artemis is a waste of money. Can SpaceX just put a different fairing on a Falcon Heavy, which will place the Orion into a trip to Lunar orbit? What does it prove to put the core stage into a very low LEO? Artemis should be canceled or redone. No one wastes money like NASA. Could you tell me where my thinking is wrong? a 200 million launch vs. 2 billion?It put Orion, its service module and a fully fueled ICPS stage into LEO. The ICPS second stage is many times heavier than the Orion (including service module.)
As far as I can tell, the Orion and service module can make it to Moon on a Falcon Heavy.
Every launch of SLS destroys four irreplaceable engines.
The second stage of the Falcon Heavy can send Orion to Moon.
Forty Billion dollars plus, most of the money is wasted because SpaceX will beat NASA to Mars.
Artemis is pure PORK and built in Red states.
NASA used a Saturn IB to place Apollo into LEO.
Artemis is too expensive, and NASA insists it all gets launched simultaneously. NASA is 40 years behind the times. Artemis is pure PORK and built in Red states.
The core stage still confuses me—all of that booster to put Orion2 and the service module into a very low LEO. As far as I can tell, the Saturn 5 put more payload on the moon... What does it prove to put the core stage into a very low LEO?
Can SpaceX just put a different fairing on a Falcon Heavy, which will place the Orion into a trip to Lunar orbit?
Could you tell me where my thinking is wrong? a 200 million launch vs. 2 billion?
Artemis is a waste of money. Artemis should be canceled or redone. No one wastes money like NASA.
Quote from: AnnK on 11/19/2022 04:20 amThe core stage still confuses me—all of that booster to put Orion2 and the service module into a very low LEO. As far as I can tell, the Saturn 5 put more payload on the moon. Artemis is a waste of money. Can SpaceX just put a different fairing on a Falcon Heavy, which will place the Orion into a trip to Lunar orbit? What does it prove to put the core stage into a very low LEO? Artemis should be canceled or redone. No one wastes money like NASA. Could you tell me where my thinking is wrong? a 200 million launch vs. 2 billion?I don't know where you're getting the idea that SLS drops its payload in a low LEO orbit when the Orion and (fully-fueled!) ICPS are sent packing on something along the lines of a 1100 by 15 km elliptical orbit (not the exact number, but close).But yes, as others have mentioned, ICPS is undersized for the vehicle it rides on.
The Saturn V could carry both the CSM and lunar lander, but the SLS only carries the Orion module (which fulfills the function of the Apollo CSM), enabling it to carry slightly less payload to the moon than the Saturn V.
It would be an extremely limited lander, particularly when you consider the 14 day minimum stay time. You'd be lucky to cram a single astronaut on the thing.
I'd just like to point out that there isn't any reason you couldn't build a small, light lander that co-manifests with Orion on SLS 1B, and perform mission with the exact same LOR architecture that Apollo used. They chose not to do so.
I think it is best to split this thread into two separate threads, one titled "Artemis 2 Discussion Thread" and "Artemis 3 Discussion Thread", because construction of the hardware earmarked for the Artemis 2 mission is well-advanced and some components for the SLS rocket and Orion capsule to be used for Artemis 3 are still in the process of fabrication. I started this thread at the time that the SLS rocket used in the Artemis 1 mission was nearing completion, but Artemis 1 successfully launched last week, so splitting this thread into separate threads "Artemis 2 Discussion Thread" and "Artemis 3 Discussion Thread" makes sense as NASA prepares to pivot the focus of the Artemis program to the Artemis 2 manned mission.
Quote from: Vahe231991 on 11/20/2022 03:39 pmI think it is best to split this thread into two separate threads, one titled "Artemis 2 Discussion Thread" and "Artemis 3 Discussion Thread", because construction of the hardware earmarked for the Artemis 2 mission is well-advanced and some components for the SLS rocket and Orion capsule to be used for Artemis 3 are still in the process of fabrication. I started this thread at the time that the SLS rocket used in the Artemis 1 mission was nearing completion, but Artemis 1 successfully launched last week, so splitting this thread into separate threads "Artemis 2 Discussion Thread" and "Artemis 3 Discussion Thread" makes sense as NASA prepares to pivot the focus of the Artemis program to the Artemis 2 manned mission.Once Orion has splashed down then that pivot to mostly Artemis 2 focus by NASA is likely to happen and indeed a Artemis 2 thread should exist to capture the increased activity and interest by those inside and outside of NASA official statements on Artemis 2 schedule, issues, and resolutions as well as crew assignments.My little addition to that is that the statement by NASA at some time in the past that Artemis 2 launch would be NET 20 months from Artemis 1 launch would be a NET date now of 7/16/2024. Although there is a slight wrinkle in those plans that could cause some additional delays. Such as testing during stacking checkout and the first time out at that pad for the GSE R&R to fix damages during Artemis I launch to the ML. This would be because the final set of testing is needed to verify safe operation of that R&R GSE with the Flight hardware which may also require doing those tests out on the pad as well as most of them hopefully in the VAB.once the Orion does splash down and recovery the 20 month clock continues and along the way may get shortened or lengthened because of learning curve or issues encountered.
Apologies in advance for the Jim-ness of this reply.Quote from: AnnK on 11/19/2022 07:34 amAs far as I can tell, the Orion and service module can make it to Moon on a Falcon Heavy.They cannot. The vehicle or payload would need to be heavily modified, or the mission de-scoped.
Although launching an Orion in less than fifteen months from now on a commercial launch service might not have the necessary technological readiness level, there were some interesting combinations of off-the-shelf capabilities if one could relax the time constraint. “The interesting thing was the LOX (liquid oxygen)-hydrogen ICPS (Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage), derived from the Delta Cryogenic Second Stage,” Wood said.“The concept of putting a high-energy, LOX-hydrogen stage on top of a Falcon Heavy stack underneath the spacecraft stack, that would be something that if we’d had more time, if we had more time out in the mid-2020s time frame or something like that, that would be something that would bear additional investigation.”
At a press briefing held yesterday, the mission management team offered further details and some visuals that detailed the scope of the damage. In addition to new scorch marks on the tower and missing paint on its deck, a number of pad cameras got burned, and some nitrogen and helium supply lines incurred minor damage. Sarafin said blast doors on the tower’s elevators were torn away by the rocket’s shock wave, so “right now the elevators are inoperable and we need to get those back into service.” All said, the damage “that we did see pertains to really, just a couple of areas,” he said, adding that SLS is largely a “very clean system.”At the same time, the deluge system “did a great job” and the tail mast service umbilicals were “clean inside,” Sarafin explained. He added that repairs are required, but he’s confident everything will be ready for the crewed Artemis 2 mission in 2024. That might seem like plenty of time, but stacking operations for the sequel mission will likely need to start next year.The mission management team seemed largely unfazed, and it’s entirely possible that the damage is indeed minimal or at least manageable. It might also be true that NASA is doing its best to downplay any damage induced by its new pride-and-joy. Opinions posted to Twitter varied, with some saying the damage is much worse than NASA is willing to admit, with others saying the damage isn’t a big deal and it’s all part of the engineering process. Indeed, surprises should be expected when launching the world’s most powerful rocket, but if the damage is worse than NASA is leading us to believe, then they should admit it.
For Artemis 2 do not see to much of possible schedule impacts due to the damages listed. Mainly because of the 20 month timeline between Artemis 1 and 2 launch. But the work to repair ML-1 will impact work on ML-2 and can cause some slight delays of it being finished for Artemis 4. This is due to the use of funds which would be otherwise spent on ML-2 to fix ML-1. It should not be big but it is still a scheduling impact. Hopefully once a Budget is passed for 2023 that extra funds are added for ML's work is added.
The engine section for Artemis III just passed through Port Canaveral on the way to KSC. It will arrive at the turn basin later this afternoon.Read more about how Boeing is expanding SLS production: https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2022/12/boeing-expanding-cs-prod/Watch live: nsf.live/spacecoast
The @NASA_SLS core stage engine section for @NASA's Artemis III mission is about to arrive at @NASAKennedy via Pegasus barge. Stay tuned for more.
The @NASA_SLS core stage engine section for @NASA's Artemis III mission arriving in the turn basin at @NASAKennedy via Pegasus barge right now.
SLS Artemis III engine section heading into the KSC Turn Basin, passing 39A and the Starship Tower. Likely how the first Starships will arrive at KSC from Starbase until Roberts Road is ready!Ref: twitter.com/elonmusk/statu…Commentary stream: nsf.live/spacecoast
The Artemis III core stage engine section has rolled out of the Pegasus Barge at KSC!nsf.live/spacecoast
Big Christmas present
Pegasus, @NASA's barge, delivered the engine section for #Artemis III to @NASAKennedy on Dec. 10. The barge ferried the SLS hardware from #NASAMichoud, where it was manufactured, to Kennedy where teams will finish outfitting it. Check out some images from its journey!
Chance :verified:@[email protected]You're looking at some of the hardware that will bring humans to the Moon! The #Artemis3 core stage engine section is currently in the Space Station Processing Facility (SSPF) at Kennedy Space Center. Teams at the SSPF will perform processing ops before eventually moving it to the VAB for final integration.#NASA #Artemis #SLS #rocket #space #science #engineering #technology
The engine section of @NASA_SLS core stage for #Artemis III mission arrived at the Space Station Processing Facility (SSPF) at @NASAKennedy on Dec. 15, 2022. Teams will begin processing operations ahead of final integration in the Vehicle Assembly Building.
Can someone ELI5 how this will simplify or expedite the construction process of the core stage? What are the benefits of shipping the sections separately into the VAB? Doesnt Boeing have more specialised jigs and tools for assembling the stage?
By the way, does anyone know the exact date of the crew announcement for Artemis 2?
Quote from: Overwatchfan123 on 12/10/2022 09:54 pmBy the way, does anyone know the exact date of the crew announcement for Artemis 2?There isn't an exact date. That announcement is expected sometime "early 2023"https://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/3770976-nasa-will-name-artemis-ii-crew-in-early-2023/
Quote from: cplchanb on 12/21/2022 02:35 pmCan someone ELI5 how this will simplify or expedite the construction process of the core stage? What are the benefits of shipping the sections separately into the VAB? Doesnt Boeing have more specialised jigs and tools for assembling the stage?My understanding is that they had a very difficult time installing the engines horizontally into the integrated core stage at Michoud.So keeping the engine section separate and later mating the engine section to the rest of the SLS core stage vertically in the VAB may be easier. It will also free up some floor space at Michoud.
Quote from: whitelancer64 on 12/21/2022 08:58 pmQuote from: cplchanb on 12/21/2022 02:35 pmCan someone ELI5 how this will simplify or expedite the construction process of the core stage? What are the benefits of shipping the sections separately into the VAB? Doesnt Boeing have more specialised jigs and tools for assembling the stage?My understanding is that they had a very difficult time installing the engines horizontally into the integrated core stage at Michoud.So keeping the engine section separate and later mating the engine section to the rest of the SLS core stage vertically in the VAB may be easier. It will also free up some floor space at Michoud.And wasting valuable space for payloads
All four RS-25 engines that will power @NASA_SLS for the Artemis III mission are ready to fly and awaiting integration at Aerojet Rocketdyne’s facility located at @NASAStennis. Learn more >> https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2023/04/18/2649539/0/en/Aerojet-Rocketdyne-Delivers-Propulsion-for-Artemis-III-Mission.html
Technicians Apply Foam to Moon Rocket Hardware for Artemis III Technicians at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, apply the first round of spray foam as part of the thermal protection system to the launch vehicle stage adapter (LVSA) of NASA’s SLS (Space Launch System) rocket for Artemis III. The cone-shaped element connects the rocket’s core stage to its upper stage called the interim cryogenic propulsion stage and partially encloses it. Spray-on foam insulation, along with other traditional insulation materials such as cork, provide thermal protection for every part – no matter how small or large -– of the SLS rocket. The insulation is flexible enough to move with the rocket but rigid enough to handle the extreme pressures and temperatures as SLS accelerates from 0 to 17,400 mph and soars to more than 100 miles above Earth in just eight minutes. The thermal protection system for the LVSA is applied entirely by hand using a tool similar to a spray gun. It is the largest piece of SLS hardware to be hand-sprayed. During each session, two technicians take turns applying the foam across the 20 individual “stripes,” or spray lanes, that make up the LVSA. It takes about two weeks to spray all 20 stripes, and technicians will apply another coat of thermal insulation later this summer. The LVSA is fully manufactured at Marshall by NASA and lead contractor Teledyne Brown Engineering. NASA is working to land the first woman and first person of color on the Moon under Artemis. SLS is part of NASA’s backbone for deep space exploration, along with Orion and the Gateway in orbit around the Moon, and commercial human landing systems. SLS is the only rocket that can send Orion, astronauts, and supplies to the Moon in a single mission. Artemis III will land astronauts on the Moon to advance long-term lunar exploration and scientific discovery and inspire the Artemis Generation. Image credit: NASA/Brandon Hancock
Quote from: Vahe231991 on 11/19/2022 02:54 pmThe Saturn V could carry both the CSM and lunar lander, but the SLS only carries the Orion module (which fulfills the function of the Apollo CSM), enabling it to carry slightly less payload to the moon than the Saturn V. I'd just like to point out that there isn't any reason you couldn't build a small, light lander that co-manifests with Orion on SLS 1B, and perform mission with the exact same LOR architecture that Apollo used. They chose not to do so.
Free says he feels good about the scheduled late 2024 launch of Artemis 2, but acknowledges there may be "some movement" in Artemis 3 (late 2025) because of lander and spacesuit development.
Technicians Apply Thermal Protection Material to NASA Moon Rocket Hardware Technicians at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, have completed applying thermal protection system material to the launch vehicle stage adapter (LVSA) of NASA’s SLS (Space Launch System) rocket for Artemis III, which will land astronauts on the Moon to advance long-term lunar exploration and scientific discovery and inspire the Artemis Generation. The LVSA is a cone-shaped element connecting the mega rocket’s core stage to its interim cryogenic propulsion stage (ICPS), partially enclosing it and protecting its avionics and electrical systems from the extreme pressures, sounds, and temperatures during launch and flight. Teams at Marshall began applying the thermal protection system material earlier this spring. Unlike other parts of the SLS rocket, the thermal protection system material for the LVSA is applied entirely by hand using a spray gun. During application, the technicians use a thin measuring rod to gauge the proper thickness. Once the thermal protection system has cured, certain areas are sanded down to meet parameters. The entire process takes several months. The LVSA is fully manufactured at Marshall by NASA, lead contractor Teledyne Brown Engineering, and the Jacobs Space Exploration Group’s ESSCA contract. The LVSA for Artemis III is the last of its kind as future SLS rockets will transition to its next, more powerful Block 1B configuration beginning with Artemis IV. NASA is working to land the first woman and first person of color on the Moon under Artemis. SLS is part of NASA’s backbone for deep space exploration, along with the Orion spacecraft, advanced spacesuits and rovers, the Gateway in orbit around the Moon, and commercial human landing systems. SLS is the only rocket that can send Orion, astronauts, and supplies to the Moon in a single mission. Image credit: NASA/Brandon Hancock #NASA #NASAMarshall #sls #spacelaunchsystem #nasasls #exploration #rocket #artemis
The last remnant of the Delta 4 program at the Alabama factory is the third and final upper stage ULA is building for NASA’s Space Launch System rocket to carry astronauts back to the moon. That upper stage is derived from the Delta 4-Heavy design, and will power the Artemis 3 mission into space in a few years. Then NASA will switch to a more powerful upper stage for future SLS moon rockets.
NASA Kennedy KSC-20230615-PH-JBS02_0001The engine section for NASA’s SLS (Space Launch System) rocket for the Artemis III mission is being processed inside the high bay of the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on June 15. NASA and Boeing, the SLS core stage lead contractor, are installing tubing within the structure. The engine section is one of five major elements that makes up the SLS rocket’s 212-foot-tall core stage. It houses the rocket’s four RS-25 engines and vital systems for mounting, controlling, and delivering fuel from the stage’s two massive liquid propellant tanks to the engines. The engine section is one the most complex and intricate parts of the rocket stage that will help to power the Artemis missions to the Moon. NASA’s Pegasus barge delivered the SLS engine section for Artemis III from NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans in December 2022. Beginning with Artemis III, technicians at the spaceport will finish outfitting the engine section before integrating it with the rest of the rocket stage. In tandem, teams at Michoud will continue to manufacture the major core stage structures.NASA’s mega Moon rocket, the Space Launch System, will use its powerful capability to launch Orion’s crew to space. Under Artemis, NASA will land the first woman and first person of color on the Moon, establish long-term lunar science and exploration capabilities, and inspire the next generation of explorers – the Artemis Generation.Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky
Thank you to our #ULARocketStars at our Decatur Rocket Factory for their hard work on #ICPS-3 built by ULA and @BoeingSpace for @NASA's #Artemis Ill mission!
A VIP (Very Important Package)📦 is about to ship ⛴ to Florida! The Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage-3, built by @ulalaunch and @boeingspace is getting ready for a cruise on #ULARocketShip. #ICPS-3 will support the @NASA #Artemis III mission for @NASA_SLS.
Today another milestone was achieved for @NASAArtemis as the SLS upper stage for NASA’s #Artemis III mission begins its journey to the Space Coast near @NASAKennedy, where it will undergo final checkouts.Learn More >>
RocketShip is due to arrive at Port Canaveral early Wednesday morning.The ship is carrying the SLS upper stage (ICPS) for the Artemis III mission
Although there are no cruise ships in Port this morning - a rarity - the @ulalaunch specialized transport vessel RocketShip is entering the PC channel bearing the SLS (Artemis) Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage. Should be by the Jetty Park pier in around 30 minutes. 👍🏻🚀⛴️
At 9:15 this morning @ulalaunch's Rocketship arrived at Port Canaveral from #ULA's factory in Decatur AL transporting the the SLS Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage for the Artemis III mission. The SLS ICPS (Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage) is built by ULA. @torybruno #NASA #SLS
QuoteA Centaur III upper stage was offloaded at Cape Canaveral this morning after hitching a ride on ULA's Rocketship transport ship
A Centaur III upper stage was offloaded at Cape Canaveral this morning after hitching a ride on ULA's Rocketship transport ship
Quote from: FutureSpaceTourist on 08/09/2023 06:38 pmQuoteA Centaur III upper stage was offloaded at Cape Canaveral this morning after hitching a ride on ULA's Rocketship transport shipNice picture and thanks for posting it, but why is this on the Artemis III thread? Centaur III is for the Atlas V, right?
A key piece of hardware for NASA’s SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and the agency’s Artemis III mission is on its way to the Space Coast. The journey for the ICPS (interim cryogenic propulsion stage) began in Decatur, Alabama, where crews with United Launch Alliance first boxed it for shipment July 29 then loaded it onto ULA’s “RocketShip” barge July 31. The barge will ferry the SLS flight hardware down the Mississippi River, into the Gulf of Mexico, then around the Florida peninsula to Cape Canaveral. Once it arrives at ULA’s facility in Florida near NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, the ICPS will undergo final testing and checkouts ahead of the crewed Artemis III mission. The ICPS is the in-space propulsion stage of the SLS rocket, giving NASA’s Orion spacecraft and Artemis astronauts inside it the big push they need to journey all the way to the Moon for a lunar landing. The ICPS for Artemis III is the last of its kind as missions beginning with Artemis IV will use the SLS B1B configuration that includes the more powerful Exploration Upper Stage.Watch the SLS Upper Stage for Artemis III Roll on to the Space Coast
#ULARocketShip delivered the third Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (#ICPS) to Cape Canaveral to launch the #Artemis III astronauts out of Earth orbit for @NASA’s lunar exploration program 🌕✨Learn more:
ICPS-3: Upperstage that will propel Artemis III astronauts to the Moon arrives for processingAugust 11, 2023The rocket stage that will propel an astronaut crew out of Earth orbit on the first human voyage to the Moon’s South Pole has arrived at the launch site for processing prior to the Artemis III launch. ULA's unique cargo vessel used to transport rockets, known as the R/S RocketShip, delivered the third Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (ICPS-3) to Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida, for Artemis III in NASA's lunar exploration program. "ICPS-3 will help send astronauts inside NASA’s Orion spacecraft to the Moon for the first lunar landing in more than 50 years," said Gary Wentz, ULA vice president Government and Commercial Programs. “ULA is proud to be taking these first steps with NASA as we embark on human launch beyond Earth orbit.” ICPS is built by ULA under a collaborative partnership with Boeing to serve as the upper stage of NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket. As the name implies, it is the interim upper stage solution for the first three launches until the Boeing-made Exploration Upper Stage (EUS) is ready. The ICPS is based on the five-meter-diameter version of ULA's Delta Cryogenic Second Stage (DCSS) that has flown 26 times on Delta IV missions since 2004 with 100 percent mission success. The ULA production team developed the ICPS-3 stage using the same factory tooling as the Delta IV line. Now that the final ICPS has shipped ULA is sunsetting the Delta IV capabilities as part of the factory transformation to support the Vulcan rocket. The ICPS features a slightly larger liquid hydrogen tank as compared to the Delta IV second stage, as well as electrical and mechanical interfaces specific to attaching and supporting the Orion spacecraft, and a second hydrazine bottle for additional attitude control propellant. The ICPS-3 for Artemis III also includes an Emergency Detection System (EDS) and other hardware changes specific to human safety. The stage feeds liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen to the Aerojet Rocketdyne RL10 main engine to produce 24,750 pounds (110.1 kilo-Newtons) of highly efficient thrust. The Artemis I ICPS performed nominally in its launch on Nov. 16, 2022, helping send the uncrewed Orion on its trip around the Moon. The Artemis II ICPS is complete and is in the Delta Operation Center (DOC) at Cape Canaveral for processing for future operations to launch a crewed Orion on a lunar test flight. The ICPS-3 stage on Artemis III will provide the trans-lunar injection (TLI) burn for the Orion spacecraft and its astronauts to set a flight path from Earth to the Moon.
The ICPS-3 upperstage arrives in Florida for processing. Photo by United Launch Alliance
Thought you guys might enjoy an 📦 Unboxing video, rocket style... Here's the #ICPS-3 upper stage that will propel #Artemis III astronauts out of Earth orbit on the first human voyage to the Moon’s South Pole! #ToryTimelapse
Checking in on the final ICPS to arrive at KSC, set for launch with SLS on Artemis III.Chris Calfee, NASA SLS deputy manager for the Spacecraft/Payload Integration and Evolution (SPIE) office, spoke with NSF's Philip Sloss.
Art and science merge as teams add the NASA “worm” logo on the SLS (Space Launch System) solid rocket boosters and the Orion spacecraft’s crew module adapter at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida for the agency’s Artemis II mission.The iconic logo was introduced in 1975 by the firm of Danne & Blackburn as a modern emblem for the agency. It emerged from a nearly 30-year retirement in 2020 for limited use on select missions and products.https://www.nasa.gov/centers-and-facilities/kennedy/teams-add-iconic-nasa-worm-logo-to-artemis-ii-rocket-spacecraft/
As NASA works to develop all the systems needed to return astronauts to the Moon under its Artemis campaign for the benefit of all, the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket will be responsible for launching astronauts on their journey. With the liquid oxygen tank now fully welded, all of the major structures that will form the core stage for the SLS rocket for the agency’s Artemis III mission are ready for additional outfitting. The hardware will be a part of the rocket used for the first of the Artemis missions planning to land astronauts on the Moon’s surface near the lunar South Pole. Technicians finished welding the 51-foot liquid oxygen tank structure inside the Vertical Assembly Building at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans Jan. 8.https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/esdmd/common-exploration-systems-development-division/space-launch-system/rocket-propellant-tanks-for-nasas-artemis-iii-mission-take-shape/
Rocket Propellant Tanks for NASA’s Artemis III Mission Take Shape All the major structures that will form the core stage for NASA’s SLS (Space Launch System) rocket for the agency’s Artemis III mission are structurally complete. Technicians finished welding the 51-foot liquid oxygen tank structure, left, inside the Vertical Assembly Building at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans Jan. 8. The liquid hydrogen tank, right, completed internal cleaning Nov. 14. Image credits: NASA/Michael DeMocker
Aug 25, 2024More Artemis II and Artemis III hardware is on the way to the Kennedy Space Center in Florida where it will eventually launch, but the questions about how preparations are going and outstanding issues remain unresolved. The SLS Launch Vehicle Stage Adapter for Artemis II and the Orion European Service Module for Artemis III are traveling by sea and should arrive at KSC in September.But when the next milestones in preparation for those two missions might occur are to be announced. This video runs through the hardware, the deliveries, and the questions that remain swirling about Artemis II and III.The potential for more delays to Artemis III led NASA to plan to extend the LVSA support contract through the rest of the decade if it comes to that, and I consider what that might mean here, too.Imagery is courtesy of NASA, except where noted.Stephen Clark's story for Ars Technica:https://arstechnica.com/space/2024/08/nasa-wants-clarity-on-orion-heat-shield-issue-before-stacking-artemis-ii-rocket/Jeff Foust's story for Space News:https://spacenews.com/sls-contract-extension-hints-at-additional-artemis-delays/00:00 Intro00:59 Artemis II LVSA begins shipment to KSC for launch05:13 Artemis II VAB preps continue...08:15 ...but SLS stacking schedule for Artemis II remains uncertain11:51 ESM-3 begins its shipment to KSC from Germany15:38 LVSA contract extension would enable support the rest of the decade20:14 Thanks for watching!
Sep 8, 2024The arrival this past week of new Orion and SLS flight hardware at Kennedy Space Center for Artemis II, III, and IV is a reminder of the uncertain launch schedule. This video covers those deliveries, of the Artemis II SLS Launch Vehicle Stage Adapter, Artemis II Orion European Service Module, and SLS Core Stage engine section hardware for Artemis III and IV.Artemis II is scheduled for launch only one year from this month, and most of the SLS hardware for Artemis II is now in and around the Vehicle Assembly Building. In this video, we also cover plans and preparations for the launch campaign in the second part of an interview with Exploration Ground Systems senior vehicle operations manager Cliff Lanham.Meanwhile, the next milestones for that newly-delivery hardware are known in general, but when those and other Artemis III milestones will happen is harder to see. We go over the cloudy forecast and other Artemis III takeaways from the late August NASA Advisory Council meeting here, too.Imagery is courtesy of NASA, except where noted.00:00 Intro02:13 A week of Orion and SLS flight hardware deliveries to KSC03:00 ESM-3 arrives in Orion final assembly at KSC04:21 Core Stage engine section hardware packaged for shipment at MAF06:45 Offloading SLS triple shipment from Pegasus at KSC09:12 EGS senior manager Cliff Lanham talks to the podcast about Artemis II launch plans10:13 Improving launch availability with contingency pad access capability18:36 Artemis II pad flow from rollout to launch20:35 Integrating the astronaut crew ingress of Orion into the launch countdown24:05 Artemis III takeaways from NASA Exploration public report in NASA Advisory Council meeting25:12 "At least" one uncrewed HLS lunar landing demonstration?25:53 Outlook for the future remains cloudy only two years from Artemis III launch date27:55 Thanks for watching!Chapters
Sep 15, 2024The wait for NASA's decision on the Orion heatshield continues and that will have a big impact on what comes next for Artemis II and III, but now there's another question for Artemis III, which is how big an effect will SpaceX's stance on the environment around their Texas launch site for Starship be for NASA's Exploration plans.This video covers that, the post-delivery activity on the Orion and SLS hardware at Kennedy Space Center, and more on Exploration Ground Systems readiness and plans to stack SLS for Artemis II.Imagery is courtesy of NASA, except where noted.00:00 Intro01:44 Next milestones for the recently delivered Artemis II, III, and IV hardware at KSC06:45 EGS senior manager Cliff Lanham talks to the podcast about Artemis II launch plans20:24 Another look at the Artemis II SLS Core Stage provided by NASA Admin Bill Nelson21:27 Starship IFT-5 delayed by environmental impact reviews24:52 Artemis II alternatives to consider if no NASA decision is forthcoming26:03 Thanks for watching!
Waiting for Artemis II Orion heatshield decision, Starship sidetracked by regulations power play?07:42 Artemis III Orion crew module adapter ahead of Service Module mate13:56 Artemis III big picture
QuoteOct 27, 2024In this video recap of Artemis news from the past week, I'll cover Bechtel's assembly of the Mobile Launcher-2 umbilical tower "chair" structure. The chair is the base of the tower and it connects to the ML-2 launch platform or "base."The NASA SLS Stages Element office manages the Core Stage of the vehicle and they provided updates in both visual and interview form. I'll go over the new footage from New Orleans and Michoud Assembly Facility of the Artemis III build and provide initial takeaways from the interview with SLS Stages manager Steve Wofford.During the week NASA also provided imagery of recent training and site visits by the Artemis II flight crew; the video covers Orion side hatch training and a visit to the Northrop Grumman facility where the SLS solid rocket booster assemblies are processed.Imagery is courtesy of NASA, except where noted.00:00 Intro00:57 SLS Core Stage-3 LOX tank processing continues04:32 Initial takeaways from interview with NASA SLS Stages Element manager Steve Wofford07:51 Mobile Launcher-2 construction milestone: assembly of the umbilical tower "chair"09:35 A short-ish Gateway schedule update on HALO assembly and test...and a non-update11:47 Other news and notes: Artemis II flight crew training and site visits14:20 The big picture: waiting for big decisions, announcements, updates17:31 Thanks for watching!
Oct 27, 2024In this video recap of Artemis news from the past week, I'll cover Bechtel's assembly of the Mobile Launcher-2 umbilical tower "chair" structure. The chair is the base of the tower and it connects to the ML-2 launch platform or "base."The NASA SLS Stages Element office manages the Core Stage of the vehicle and they provided updates in both visual and interview form. I'll go over the new footage from New Orleans and Michoud Assembly Facility of the Artemis III build and provide initial takeaways from the interview with SLS Stages manager Steve Wofford.During the week NASA also provided imagery of recent training and site visits by the Artemis II flight crew; the video covers Orion side hatch training and a visit to the Northrop Grumman facility where the SLS solid rocket booster assemblies are processed.Imagery is courtesy of NASA, except where noted.00:00 Intro00:57 SLS Core Stage-3 LOX tank processing continues04:32 Initial takeaways from interview with NASA SLS Stages Element manager Steve Wofford07:51 Mobile Launcher-2 construction milestone: assembly of the umbilical tower "chair"09:35 A short-ish Gateway schedule update on HALO assembly and test...and a non-update11:47 Other news and notes: Artemis II flight crew training and site visits14:20 The big picture: waiting for big decisions, announcements, updates17:31 Thanks for watching!
As NASA prepares for the first crewed Moon landing in more than five decades, the agency has identified an updated set of nine potential landing regions near the lunar South Pole for its Artemis III mission. These areas will be further investigated through scientific and engineering study. NASA will continue to survey potential areas for missions following Artemis III, including areas beyond these nine regions.“Artemis will return humanity to the Moon and visit unexplored areas. NASA’s selection of these regions shows our commitment to landing crew safely near the lunar South Pole, where they will help uncover new scientific discoveries and learn to live on the lunar surface,” said Lakiesha Hawkins, assistant deputy associate administrator, Moon to Mars Program Office.NASA’s Cross Agency Site Selection Analysis team, working closely with science and industry partners, added, and excluded potential landing regions, which were assessed for their science value and mission availability.The refined candidate Artemis III lunar landing regions are, in no priority order: • Peak near Cabeus B • Haworth • Malapert Massif • Mons Mouton Plateau • Mons Mouton • Nobile Rim 1 • Nobile Rim 2 • de Gerlache Rim 2 • Slater PlainThese regions contain diverse geological characteristics and offer flexibility for mission availability. The lunar South Pole has never been explored by a crewed mission and contains permanently shadowed areas that can preserve resources, including water.“The Moon’s South Pole is a completely different environment than where we landed during the Apollo missions,” said Sarah Noble, Artemis lunar science lead at NASA Headquarters in Washington. “It offers access to some of the Moon’s oldest terrain, as well as cold, shadowed regions that may contain water and other compounds. Any of these landing regions will enable us to do amazing science and make new discoveries.”To select these landing regions, a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers analyzed the lunar South Pole region using data from NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter and a vast body of lunar science research. Factors in the selection process included science potential, launch window availability, terrain suitability, communication capabilities with Earth, and lighting conditions. Additionally, the team assessed the combined trajectory capabilities of NASA’s SLS (Space Launch System) rocket, the Orion spacecraft, and Starship HLS (Human Landing System) to ensure safe and accessible landing sites.The Artemis III geology team evaluated the landing regions for their scientific promise. Sites within each of the nine identified regions have the potential to provide key new insights into our understanding of rocky planets, lunar resources, and the history of our solar system.“Artemis III will be the first time that astronauts will land in the south polar region of the Moon. They will be flying on a new lander into a terrain that is unique from our past Apollo experience,” said Jacob Bleacher, NASA’s chief exploration scientist. “Finding the right locations for this historic moment begins with identifying safe places for this first landing, and then trying to match that with opportunities for science from this new place on the Moon.”
