First weld is complete on the Orion crew module that will carry astronauts beyond the moon.
.@LockheedMartin technicians complete the first cone weld on the Orion crew module which will carry @NASA_Astronauts beyond the moon.
In the NASA FY19 presentation EM-2 would launch in 2023 on SLS/EUS together with the LOP-G Habitat.This means EM-2 would no longer be Lunar flyby but Lunar orbital.
European Service Module-2 wiring at the Airbus integration hall in Bremen, Germany, September 2018.The structure is complete and over 11 km of cables are being meticulously placed in preparation for the computers and equipment that will keep astronauts alive and well for the second Orion mission called Exploration Mission-2.Up to four astronauts will fly Orion to 70 000 km beyond the Moon before completing a lunar flyby and returning to Earth. The mission can take a minimum of 8 days and will collect valuable flight test data.
NASA KennedyKSC-20190917-PH_FWM01_0067The Orion pressure vessel for NASA’s Artemis ll mission is in view in a processing stand inside the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building high bay on Sept. 17, 2019. Orion is being prepared for the first crewed test flight atop the agency’s Space Launch System rocket. Artemis ll will lift off from Launch Complex 39B. The mission will confirm all of the spacecraft’s systems operate as designed in the actual environment of deep space with astronauts aboard. Photo credit: NASA/Frank Michaux
Assembly and processing work is continuing on the Artemis II Orion spacecraft at Kennedy.
KSC-20200415-PH-LHM01_0003 The launch abort motor is integrated with the jettison motor for Orion’s launch abort system (LAS) for Artemis II, inside the Launch Abort System Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on April 15, 2020. The launch abort and jettison motors are two of three motors on the LAS. The LAS will be positioned atop the Orion crew module and is designed to protect astronauts if a problem arises during launch by pulling the spacecraft away from a failing rocket. Artemis II will take the first humans in orbit around the Moon in the 21st century. Photo credit: Lockheed Martin
Hopefully this is not an ESM-2 picture...
NASA KennedyKSC-20200610-PH-GEB01_0002 Inside the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Artemis II crew module is relocated into a clean room on June 10, 2020. Workers will perform tube welds of the propulsion system and the Environmental Control & Life Support Systems. Artemis II is the first crewed mission in a series of missions to the Moon and on to Mars. Artemis II will confirm all of the Orion spacecraft’s systems operate as designed in the actual environment of deep space with astronauts aboard. As part of the Artemis Program, NASA will send the first woman and next man to the Moon by 2024. Photo credit: NASA/Glenn Benson
Quote from: hektor on 06/16/2020 04:35 pmHopefully this is not an ESM-2 picture...Yep, that was an old bare-structure ESM-2 picture:
Heat Shield Milestone Complete for First Orion Mission with CrewTechnicians at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida recently finished meticulously applying more than 180 blocks of ablative material to the heat shield for the Orion spacecraft set to carry astronauts around the Moon on Artemis II.The heat shield is one of the most critical elements of Orion and protects the capsule and the astronauts inside from the nearly 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit temperatures, about half as hot at the Sun, experienced during reentry through Earth’s atmosphere when coming home from lunar velocities.Prior to installation, several large blocks of the ablative material called AVCOAT were produced at the agency’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. They were then shipped to Kennedy and machined into 186 unique smaller blocks before being applied by the technicians onto the heat shield’s underlying titanium skeleton and carbon fiber skin.To continue preparing the heat shield, engineers will conduct non-destructive evaluations to look for voids in the bond lines, as well as measure the steps and gaps between the blocks. The gaps will be filled with adhesive material and then reassessed. The heatshield will then undergo a thermal test after which it will be sealed, painted and then taped to help weather on-orbit thermal conditions. Once all testing has been completed, later this year the heatshield will be installed and bolted to the crew module.NASA is working to land the first woman and the next man on the Moon by 2024. Orion, along with NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, the Human Landing System and the Gateway in orbit around the Moon, are NASA’s backbone for deep space exploration. Artemis II will be the first crewed mission of Orion atop the SLS rocket.Image Credit: NASA/Isaac Watson
NASA Kennedy KSC-20200828-PH-JBS01_0103 The last of three motors required to assemble the Launch Abort System for NASA’s Artemis II mission, the attitude control motor (ACM), arrives at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on August 28. The attitude control motor (ACM) was delivered by truck from Northrop Grumman’s manufacturing facility in Maryland, to the Launch Abort System Facility (LASF) at Kennedy. During launch of Orion atop the agency’s Space Launch System rocket, the LAS motors work together to separate the spacecraft from the rocket in the unlikely event of an emergency during launch. The LAS includes three motors – the launch abort motor, the jettison motor, and the attitude control motor—that once activated, will steer the spacecraft carrying the astronauts to safety. The ACM operates to keep Orion’s crew module on a controlled flight path in the event it needs to jettison and steer away from the rocket. Artemis II is the first crewed flight in a series of increasingly complex missions to the Moon that will lay the foundation for exploration of Mars and beyond. Artemis II will confirm all of the Orion spacecraft’s systems operate as designed in the actual environment of deep space with astronauts aboard. As part of the Artemis program, NASA will send the first woman and next man to the Moon in 2024. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky
Engine of Atlantis
Artemis II Service Module in O&C Highbay Clean RoomThe European-built Service Module (ESM) for NASA’s Artemis II mission is on a work stand inside a clean room inside the high bay of the Neil A. Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Jan. 12, 2022. Teams from NASA, Lockheed Martin, the European Space Agency and Airbus will prepare the service module to be integrated with the Orion crew module adapter and crew module, already housed in the facility. The powerhouse that will fuel and propel Orion in space, the ESM for Artemis II will be the first Artemis mission flying crew aboard Orion.
Progress for #Artemis II is taking place at @NASAKennedy! Engineers are outfitting the @NASA_Orion crew and services modules for the first @NASAArtemis mission that will carry astronauts around the Moon.
Isn't this the heat shield of Artemis III which has just been delivered to KSC ?
Inside the Multi-Payload Processing Facility at @NASAKennedy, technicians start to remove components from the #Artemis I spacecraft, including avionics boxes and a crew seat that will be inspected and reused on Artemis II.
Pushing Orion's first crew to the Moon! Technicians at @NASAKennedy install the engine nozzle on the service module that will propel Orion on #Artemis II.
It's about to get loud for this service module!Before powering astronauts' trip around the Moon on the #Artemis II mission, engineers test Orion’s service module at @NASAKennedy by blasting it with acoustic levels up to 140 decibels – louder than a rock concert 🤘
The heat shield ensuring the safe return of the #Artemis II crew is installed on Orion!Up next, the spacecraft will be outfitted with some of its external panels ahead of acoustic testing later this summer.Read more:
Orion Heat Shield Installed for NASA’s Artemis II MissionOn June 25, 2023, teams completed installation of the heat shield for the Artemis II Orion spacecraft inside the high bay of the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.The 16.5-foot-wide heat shield is one of the most important systems on the Orion spacecraft ensuring a safe return of the astronauts on board. As the spacecraft returns to Earth following its mission around the Moon, it will be traveling at speeds of about 25,000 mph and experience outside temperatures of nearly 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Inside the spacecraft, however, astronauts will experience a much more comfortable temperature in the mid-70s thanks to Orion’s thermal protection system.Up next, the spacecraft will be outfitted with some of its external panels ahead of acoustic testing later this summer. These tests will validate the crew module can withstand the vibrations it will experience throughout the Artemis II mission, during launch, flight, and landing.Once acoustic testing is complete, technicians will attach the crew module to Orion’s service module, marking a major milestone for the Artemis II mission, the first mission with astronauts under Artemis that will test and check out all of Orion’s systems needed for future crewed missions.
Left to right: Artemis III, Artemis IV, and Artemis II Orion Crew Modules.@LMSpace is assembling the fourth thru sixth Orion at the Kennedy Space Center, the first three being EFT-1, STA, and Artemis I.AR2: Heatshield installAR3: Prop & ECLSS welding AR4: Primary Structure
Orion Crew Module for Artemis II
Artemis II Orion Crew Module closeups
NASA also held an Artemis update media briefing at the KSC Press Site later in the day on Aug. 8, the first since the late November 2024 target date for launch was announced in early March. NASA Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate Associate Administrator Jim Free said in the briefing that the target date still remains unchanged, although work was “a number of weeks” behind.
The #Artemis II crew module is being prepared to meet its service module — recently, the team completed weight and center of gravity testing at @NASAKennedy.
Teams at @NASAKennedy are completing final inspections of external insulation on the service module that will propel astronauts on the #Artemis II mission around the Moon.
Artemis II Orion Crew and Service Modules Joined TogetherOn Oct.19, the Orion crew and service modules for the Artemis II mission were joined together inside the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.After successfully completing hardware installations and testing over the past several months, engineers connected the two major components of Orion that will fly NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, along with CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen on a mission around the Moon and bring them home safely.Now that the crew and service modules are integrated, the team will power up the combined crew and service module for the first time. After power on test are complete, Orion will begin altitude chamber testing, which will put the spacecraft through conditions as close as possible to the environment it will experience in the vacuum of deep space.Author Jason CostaPosted on October 23, 2023 10:59 amCategories Artemis II, Kennedy Space Center, NASA, Orion SpacecraftTags Moon to Mars, Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building, Orion crew module, Orion service module
Intergration of the crew and service modules for the Artemis II Orion spacecraft was recently completed at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo credit: NASA
#Artemis II Mission Specialist @Astro_Christina tests out Orion's side hatch at Lockheed Martin Space in Denver! The crew will use the hatch to enter and exit the spacecraft for their upcoming mission around the Moon.
Today was the Initial Power-On (IPO) of the Orion vehicle destined for Artemis II, which will bring humans around the Moon and back for the first time in over 50 years.In our last update, Orion’s crew and service modules were connected; today, the vehicle was powered up to make sure the modules are working together as they should. This means ensuring that the crew and service modules are communicating correctly with each other, and that the power from the European Service Module (ESM) is distributed correctly to the crew module.The IPO itself only takes a few hours: “The power-on process is very quick; it’s not so different from connecting all the appliances in your apartment and then switching on the light to make sure it works,” says Dominique Siruguet, ESM assembly integration and verification engineer at ESA.What’s next?Now that the IPO was successful, Orion teams will test the vehicle over the coming weeks in many ways to confirm all subsystems are functioning correctly; for example, the ability of the service module to transfer power from the solar arrays to the crew module, as well as the capacity of the service module to switch to redundant units in case of contingencies.An important upcoming test is the “closed-loop mission test”, a sort of dress rehearsal of Artemis II. “During a closed-loop mission test, we simulate the full mission scenario, mimicking the conditions of all the different mission phases from pre-launch, to launch and separation, and all the way back to Orion’s return to Earth,” explains Dominique.“It is the first time this kind of test is being performed for the service module. The IPO will take about one or two weeks; we inject the parameters of the different mission phases into the service module and check that all navigation, propulsion and other subsystems are reacting correctly to maintain the mission course,” adds Dominique.Stay tuned to read about the next Artemis II milestones, including testing Orion in the same vacuum altitude chamber used during the testing of the Apollo missions!
(NB: Title image is of the Orion vehicle used in Artemis I at a similar stage in its construction as the current state of the Orion vehicle which will be used in Artemis II. Credits: NASA)
The cone-shaped crew module being stacked over the service module below it at Kennedy Space Center.Credits: NASA
Apollo 1 crewmembers in 1966 in the same altitude chamber that Orion will soon be tested in at the Neil Armstrong Operations & Checkout Building in NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre.Credits: NASA
At @NASAKennedy, the #Artemis II Orion was powered on for the first time to confirm that the crew and service modules are communicating with each other and that power is distributing correctly throughout the spacecraft.
NASA KennedyKSC-20240201-PH-RNS01_0001The Orion spacecraft for NASA's Artemis II mission received its latest makeover. Teams adhered the agency's iconic "worm" logo and ESA (European Space Agency) insignia on the spacecraft's crew module adapter on Sunday, Jan. 28, inside the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo credit: NASA/Rad Sinyak
Is this the first released image since the capsule and service module were de-mated? And is the service module shown attached to the spacecraft adapter but not the stage adapter that connects Orion to ICPS?
Quote from: sdsds on 02/15/2024 07:51 pmIs this the first released image since the capsule and service module were de-mated? And is the service module shown attached to the spacecraft adapter but not the stage adapter that connects Orion to ICPS?What are you talking about. I have not seen anywhere mention of a CM/SM demate. Do you confirm they have been demated ?
Quote from: hektor on 02/16/2024 09:29 amQuote from: sdsds on 02/15/2024 07:51 pmIs this the first released image since the capsule and service module were de-mated? And is the service module shown attached to the spacecraft adapter but not the stage adapter that connects Orion to ICPS?What are you talking about. I have not seen anywhere mention of a CM/SM demate. Do you confirm they have been demated ?Apologies if I misunderstood the image in the post directly above mine. Is the CM visible in that image?
"A first look inside NASA_Orion that will take @astro_reid, @astrovicglover, @astro_christina and @astro_jeremy to the Moon!"https://twitter.com/LMSpace/status/1758188135454794230
Quote from: hoku on 02/16/2024 06:07 am"A first look inside NASA_Orion that will take @astro_reid, @astrovicglover, @astro_christina and @astro_jeremy to the Moon!"*yeet tweet*its quite laughable that only a certified tech is allowed to touch what looks like piece of styrofoam protecting the windows. no wonder costs have skyrocketed. inefficiencies like these add up. either simplify the procedures and not need a specialised "window tech" to do a simple removal or design the window to do the same!
"A first look inside NASA_Orion that will take @astro_reid, @astrovicglover, @astro_christina and @astro_jeremy to the Moon!"*yeet tweet*
NASA is working with Orion spacecraft prime contractor Lockheed Martin to resolve a handful of issues that came up late last year during ground testing, forcing the delay of Artemis II to September 2025.Philip Sloss overviews:
QuoteNASA is working with Orion spacecraft prime contractor Lockheed Martin to resolve a handful of issues that came up late last year during ground testing, forcing the delay of Artemis II to September 2025.
NASA is working with Orion spacecraft prime contractor Lockheed Martin to resolve a handful of issues that came up late last year during ground testing, forcing the delay of Artemis II to September 2025.
Orion Spacecraft@NASA_OrionNew Orion pics👀✨At @NASAKennedy, teams moved the #Artemis II stack into a vacuum chamber, where it will undergo electromagnetic compatibility and interference testing to confirm Orion can safely fly through harsh electric fields.
Apr 11, 2024On April 4, 2024, a team lifts the Artemis II Orion spacecraft into a vacuum chamber inside the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, where it will undergo electromagnetic compatibility and interference testing.
An exploration program based on SLS and Orion has long been criticized as being hardware-poor. Being hardware-rich means you can test a lot. Being hardware-poor forces you into difficult corners like this:
Sep 6, 2024 #NASA #Artemis #OrionWant the latest update for NASA's Artemis campaign? Learn about how the Orion spacecraft is experiencing vacuum chamber testing, Artemis II astronauts complete an underway recovery test, and the emergency egress baskets undergo drop testing.Credit: NASA
Waiting for Artemis II Orion heatshield decision, Starship sidetracked by regulations power play?01:14 Orion environment test article to finish crew-rating abort certifications
Moon Minute: Orion Testing, Underway Recovery Testing, + Egress Basket TestingQuoteSep 6, 2024 #NASA #Artemis #OrionWant the latest update for NASA's Artemis campaign? Learn about how the Orion spacecraft is experiencing vacuum chamber testing, Artemis II astronauts complete an underway recovery test, and the emergency egress baskets undergo drop testing.Credit: NASA
Quote from: catdlr on 09/06/2024 04:48 pmMoon Minute: Orion Testing, Underway Recovery Testing, + Egress Basket TestingQuoteSep 6, 2024 #NASA #Artemis #OrionWant the latest update for NASA's Artemis campaign? Learn about how the Orion spacecraft is experiencing vacuum chamber testing, Artemis II astronauts complete an underway recovery test, and the emergency egress baskets undergo drop testing.Credit: NASAHas anyone ever ridden in an egress basket? All the testing I can remember back in the shuttle days and now are unmanned.
During my time on the Shuttle program, I remember individuals, who had been working the program from almost the start, say that NASA deemed the baskets to be too dangerous for someone to ride during test. Was someone injured in the early days and testing was limited to mass simulators? All hear say on my part. But ... if people are suppose to ride these in an emergency egress of the tower, if its not safe for people to test ride, how is it safe to ride in an emergency? Curious people want to know
NASA's Lori Glaze says at the LEAG meeting this morning that an investigation has determine the root cause of the Orion heat shield erosion seen on Artemis 1, confirmed with arcjet testing. She declined to disclose that root cause.
She says NASA is now doing testing to see how to mitigate that erosion on Artemis 2. That should be completed by the end of November, after which agency leadership will decide how to proceed.
Artemis II preps on hold until year end for heatshield investigation, SLS KSC production ramp up
Nov 3, 2024In this video, I'll review the NASA update on Orion base heatshield investigation this past week. The update was a mixed bag: a root cause was found, but the space agency is declining to elaborate. They are performing more testing for Artemis II flight rationale, but they won't say what decisions were made for a second unit that was already built for Artemis III.We may have to wait until the end of the year to see how comprehensive a public announcement is, and with Artemis II stacking on hold for most or all of that time, chances of another delay to the target launch date are increasing. Currently the official target date is next September, but there may be no schedule margin left by the end of this year if preparations remain on standby.This video covers the heatshield investigation update and plans for work on Artemis II hardware in the meantime. Boeing started expansion of their SLS Core Stage production to the Kennedy Space Center almost two years ago, and we're now seeing the groundwork nearing completion. In the video, I'll take a first look at the engine section integration facility now at capacity, with the other Boeing SLS production facility in the Vehicle Assembly Building nearing activation.Imagery is courtesy of NASA, except where noted.Stories cited:https://spacepolicyonline.com/news/nasa-identifies-root-cause-of-orion-heat-shield-char-loss/https://spacenews.com/nasa-finds-but-does-not-disclose-root-cause-of-orion-heat-shield-erosion/https://arstechnica.com/space/2024/10/for-some-reason-nasa-is-treating-orions-heat-shield-problems-as-a-secret/#gsc.tab=0https://spacenews.com/ground-systems-could-delay-artemis-2-launch/00:00 Intro01:20 Orion heatshield investigation continues03:43 Artemis II schedule uncertainty also continues09:35 Artemis II Core Stage prepared for breakover and lift12:03 Boeing SLS Core Stage facility in VAB High Bay 2 nearing activation14:18 EGS work on Mobile Launcher-1 in the VAB in the meantime15:46 Boeing SLS SSPF worksite at engine section capacity21:39 Other news and notes23:35 Thanks for watching!
Dec 1, 2024In this video I'll take a look at what could be ahead in the final month of 2024, now that Thanksgiving week is ending. At the Kennedy Space Center, the rest of Artemis II stacking waits for a possible December decision on the Orion heatshield, and preparations are being made to stand up the Artemis II SLS Core Stage for some offline work in the meantime.I'll also go over the two SLS elements that were stacked, an Artemis II flight crew KSC visit before Thanksgiving, and a few other news and notes.With possible decisions before the end of the year and possible announcements around the change in administrations, there's time to take a look at watch items for Artemis II, III, and the big picture for Artemis on a relatively slow news week.Imagery is courtesy of NASA, except where noted.00:00 Intro00:40 Artemis II SLS booster aft assembly stacking recap04:06 Artemis II flight crew visit to KSC05:15 VAB High Bay 2 notes, preparing to host Artemis II SLS Core Stage06:03 Other news and notes, HLS Cargo awards and an Orion heatshield delivery08:27 Big picture outlook as 2024 ends12:54 Thanks for watching!
