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!
Dec 4, 2024We don't know for certain when, but NASA's Orion base heatshield investigation is expected to culminate in a set of decisions by the end of 2024, and this video takes a look at what is known ahead of that announcement. The Avcoat thermal protection material ablated away in larger pieces than predicted during the Artemis I re-entry back to Earth from the Moon two years ago.After almost two years, NASA recently said it now understands what happened, but hasn't explained that publicly or said how it is going to resolve the issue with the next two heatshields that were already built. In this video I'll recap what has been said by NASA or by watchdog groups and what decisions are anticipated in the last few weeks of the year.Imagery is courtesy of NASA, except where noted.00:00 Intro01:02 Orion heatshield design history02:52 Artemis I lunar skip re-entry07:00 Description of heatshield performance and issue(s) from Artemis I11:00 History of the heatshield investigation so far17:56 Where are we now?21:15 How lunar re-entry trajectories could influence launch availability24:25 Looking at upcoming heatshield decisions26:40 Thanks for watching!
Dec 8, 2024NASA's Orion heatshield investigation concluded on December 5th, and the space agency announced in a press conference that they accepted the recommendation to fly the Artemis II Orion heatshield as-is. The launch was pushed back to April 2026 for other reasons and Artemis III was delayed until mid-2027; however, President Trump nominated Jared Isaacman to be the next NASA Administrator, which continues the narrative that an Artemis shake-up could be coming in January.There were a lot of details in the press conference about the status of Artemis II preparations and planning for the next milestones stacking the SLS vehicle for that, but not so much on Artemis III, which depends on not just Orion and SLS, but also Starship HLS and Axiom Space lunar surface spacesuits. The commercial providers are developing private products with proprietary technology, so NASA leadership can't speak for them. The outlook for the public and private programs participating in Artemis III will remain a storyline for future videos.That is, if the plans for Artemis II and III are continued next year. There are a few takeaways in this video from the early nomination, and the obvious implication of orphaning Orion if SLS is cancelled by Isaacman and Elon Musk next year. Orion is still a unique, crew-rated spacecraft, so sticking it on top of another launch vehicle won't be as easy or as inexpensive as it is to do virtually or hypothetically. In this video, I'll take a first look at the cost and schedule questions and implications of a theoretical Orion launch vehicle move.Imagery is courtesy of NASA, except where noted.00:00 Intro00:34 Overview of findings from the completed Orion base heatshield investigation03:03 Initial thoughts, takeaways from the December 5 Artemis press conference13:38 Jared Isaacman is the new NASA Administrator nominee15:03 The devil is in the details about a new launch vehicle for Orion19:51 A post-heatshield decision look at the big picture23:26 Thanks for watching!
NASA’s Orion spacecraft for the Artemis II test flight returned to the Final Assembly and System Testing (FAST) cell following completion of the second round of vacuum chamber testing on Dec. 5 inside the Neil A. Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.After returning to the FAST cell, the four main batteries – which supply power to many Orion systems – were installed in the crew module. The batteries returned to NASA Kennedy from their supplier, EaglePicher Technologies, earlier this month. Solar array wings will also be installed onto the spacecraft by international partner ESA (European Space Agency) and its contractor Airbus in early 2025.
Dec 14, 2024There's more to cover from last week's NASA press conference about Artemis II decisions and plans. The space agency decided to fly Orion's heatshield as-is and continue launch preparations while announcing that extra Orion processing work pushed the target date to April 2026.In this video, I'll explain how NASA plans to fly the existing heatshield on Artemis II, given the char loss/spalling issues seen with the same design on Artemis I. I'll also cover the extra processing work and what a new re-entry trajectory means for Artemis II launch windows.In the meantime, the SLS Core Stage for Artemis II was moved into a new processing cell in the Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy Space Center, and I'll go over that process and what work is planned in parallel with the resumption of Solid Rocket Booster stacking in another cell in the VAB.There's also a little more to say about the devil in the details of moving Orion to another launch vehicle if the new administration terminates SLS.Imagery is courtesy of NASA, except where noted.00:00 Intro00:37 Artemis II-related takeaways from last week's heatshield decision press conference06:11 Second round of Orion vacuum testing complete, modified batteries reinstalled07:37 The modified Orion re-entry trajectory plan for Artemis II15:27 SLS hardware activity picks up in the Vehicle Assembly Building18:15 EGS launch team continues countdown simulation training18:37 The Artemis II big picture19:45 More IRL considerations for Orion launch vehicle match-making from the last time NASA considered it.26:16 Thanks for watching!
After traveling 1.4 million miles around the Moon and then back to Earth during the Artemis I mission, the Orion spacecraft proved its capabilities in the harsh environment of space. But the spacecraft’s evaluation did not end at splashdown.Recently, engineers at NASA’s Neil Armstrong Test Facility subjected @NASA_Orion to the extreme conditions it may experience in a launch abort scenario — which is an emergency when Orion, and astronauts inside, would jettison away from the @NASA_SLS rocket for a safe landing in the ocean. The mission-critical testing is important to the safety and success of future @NASAArtemis missions.Learn what’s next, view more photos of Orion, and see key moments from the 11-month test campaign in Ohio: https://go.nasa.gov/3ZXUvY0In this video: On Nov. 23, 2024, after subjecting the Orion test article to launch abort-level acoustics, experts tested the functionality of the forward bay cover, which is the last piece that must eject before parachutes deploy.Credit: NASA/Jordan Salkin and Quentin Schwinn
Up next, the Orion test article will head to @NASAKennedy for additional testing.
Orion Spacecraft@NASA_OrionOrion is ready to receive its wings!At @NASAKennedy, technicians moved Orion out of its assembly stand to prepare for installation of the four solar array wings that will deliver power to the spacecraft on the Artemis II journey around the Moon. More: https://go.nasa.gov/3ERfkvU
This is the first of a couple of videos previewing the work that NASA Exploration Ground Systems will be doing at Kennedy Space Center with the Artemis II Orion spacecraft when they receive it in a couple of months. Late last week I interviewed Marcos Pena, who is NASA Operations Manager for EGS Spacecraft/Offline Operations, and he went through the details of his team's work plan.Mr. Pena's team will get the spacecraft ready for stacking on top of the SLS rocket in the Vehicle Assembly Building; there's a lot of preparation that needs to be done -- loading storable propellants and other commodities onboard, stacking the Launch Abort System, and encapsulation.In this first part of the interview, Mr. Pena went through that work and also the stacking preps they'll be doing in March on the SLS in-space, second stage, the Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage, but it can go to the VAB for stacking.Imagery is courtesy of NASA, except where noted.00:00 Intro01:08 What EGS Spacecraft/Offline Operations does02:52 Multi-Payload Processing Facility overview, where Orion and ICPS are headed first06:30 Artemis II ICPS trip to MPPF planned for early March09:39 Orion handover to EGS, move to MPPF planned for late April11:08 EGS projecting five months of work before Orion is ready to stack on SLS16:30 Sequence of commodity loading onboard Orion in the MPPF21:28 Potable water for the crew will be serviced later in the flow, when Orion is in the VAB23:25 Critical path for the work in the MPPF25:25 Thanks for watching, more coming in Part 2!
Derek Newsome@DerekdotSpaceOrion has received her first of 4 Solar Panels! These panels provide a combined 11.1 kilowatts of power to the spacecraft during its trip to the Moon and back.
Solar array wing installation complete!The solar array wings that will power Orion and crew around the Moon on the Artemis II mission have been installed – next, the team will install the three protective fairings that enclose the service module. More: https://go.nasa.gov/3F6IuHN
Technicians with NASA and Lockheed Martin fitted three spacecraft adapter jettison fairing panels onto the service module of the agency’s Orion’s spacecraft. The operation completed on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, inside the Neil A. Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Handing over the keys to Orion!Lockheed Martin completed assembly of the Artemis II Orion spacecraft and handed the vehicle over to NASA Orion, which in turn transferred it to @NASAGroundSys for processing.Next, Orion will roll via transporter to @NASAKennedy's MPPF for fueling.
This morning, the Artemis II Orion left the spacecraft factory in the Operations and Checkout building @NASAKennedy and is on its way to the Multi-Payload Processing Facility for fueling.
Teams transported @NASAOrion out of the Operations and Checkout building at @NASAKennedy using the Spacecraft Transporter (SCT). This approximately 16-by-16-foot spacecraft is where our @NASAArtemis II crew will live and work on their journey around the Moon.
After a short trip down the block, Exploration Ground Systems teams arrived at the Multi-Payload Processing Facility with the @NASAArtemis II @NASA_Orion spacecraft. Here, teams will continue readying the spacecraft ahead of stacking on @NASA_SLS in the Vehicle Assembly Building at @NASAKennedy.
The Orion spacecraft for NASA’s Artemis II crewed mission around the Moon has been on the move. Technicians relocated the spacecraft May 5 from the Neil A. Armstrong Operations and Checkout Facility at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, where it was assembled, to its fueling facility at the spaceport.“With the Artemis II on the horizon, seeing the Orion spacecraft depart the Operations and Checkout building for the Kennedy Space Center’s Multi-Payload Processing Facility reflects the many months of hard work, dedication, collaboration, and innovation of the entire team” said Howard Hu, NASA’s Orion program manager. “It demonstrates our ability to achieve ambitious goals to enable a safe and successful Artemis II mission. The Orion team was proud to turn over the first human-rated deep space exploration spacecraft in over 50 years to Exploration Ground Systems for fueling and stacking for our next mission to the Moon.”Inside the Multi-Payload Processing Facility, engineers and technicians from NASA’s Exploration Ground Systems Program will load Orion’s propellants, high pressure gases, coolant, and other fluids the spacecraft and crew will need to maneuver and carry out their 10-day journey. Because of the hazardous nature of propellant loading, the spacecraft is fueled remotely from the spaceport’s Launch Control Center. After fueling is complete, the Artemis II crew will participate in an equipment interface test, in which they will don their Orion Crew Survival System spacesuits and enter the spacecraft to test all the equipment interfaces they will need to operate during the mission.Following servicing and final checkouts, the spacecraft will be transported to Kennedy’s Launch Abort System Facility to be integrated with its launch abort system, which is made up of abort, jettison, and attitude control motors and fairings. The system is designed to carry the crew to safety in the event of an emergency during launch or ascent atop the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket. Once completed, the spacecraft will be transported to the Vehicle Assembly Building to be stacked atop SLS.Orion’s relocation marks completion of a phase of assembly and testing work for Orion and the beginning of key steps toward launch and mission preparations. While in the operations and checkout facility, thousands of components in Orion’s systems were integrated into the spacecraft. The crew module, service module, and crew module adapter were connected, and vacuum and acoustics testing occurred to ensure the spacecraft will be able to endure the harsh environment of space.
Technicians with NASA’s Exploration and Ground Systems Program offload the agency’s Orion spacecraft from the KAMAG transporter to the servicing stand inside the Multi-Payload Processing Facility at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Sunday, May 4, 2025, to undergo fueling and processing operations for prelaunch operations
Hitting the road 🚙🗺️Last weekend, teams transported @NASA_Orion to the Multi-Payload Processing Facility, where they will begin fueling the crew and service modules. After fueling, teams will install the launch abort system on Orion at the Launch Abort System Facility before heading to the Vehicle Assembly Building to be stacked atop @NASA_SLS.
Earlier this month, the @NASA_Orion spacecraft was transferred from the Operations and Checkout building to the Multi-Payload Processing Facility, where it will be prepared for stacking on @NASA_SLS.Check out the journey of its assembly:
Continued assembly, integration, and testing of the Artemis III CM and SM will culminate in the integration of the CM and SM into the CSM.
Final Artemis II vehicle integration is planned with Orion integration onto SLS in the VAB. Following final integration of Orion onto SLS in the VAB, the fully assembled vehicle will undergo final testing and preparation for launch.
For the Artemis II launch, EGS will conduct the rollout for the tanking test, landing and recovery operations, post launch operations at the pad, and crew module de-servicing at the Multi-Payload Processing Facility. EGS will support the Orion and SLS integration scheduled for October 2025 to prepare for the fully stacked roll to pad tanking test.
Some snips regarding Artemis II Orion processing in FY26 from the FY26 PBR Technical Supplement. Launch is still tracking to NLT April 2026 with FRR in December 2025.
Quote from: AndrewM on 06/01/2025 03:46 amSome snips regarding Artemis II Orion processing in FY26 from the FY26 PBR Technical Supplement. Launch is still tracking to NLT April 2026 with FRR in December 2025.NLT = No Later Than? so what is the aspirational/NET date? Shortly after the FRR?
Teams completed fueling of the service module over the weekend.
Jul 11, 2025Recently, teams transported NASA's Orion Spacecraft to the Multi-Payload Processing Facility, where they have begun fueling the crew and service modules. After fueling, teams will install the launch abort system on Orion at the Launch Abort System Facility before heading to the Vehicle Assembly Building to be stacked atop the agency's Space Launch System Rocket.Credit: NASA
David Willis@ThePrimalDinoArtemis II's Orion capsule is ready to receive its Launch escape system!Can you feel our return to the Moon? It's closer than you think!!
Dr. Jenni Gibbons@Astro_JenniThe Artemis II crew, flight controllers, and ground support teams spend hours every week practising various phases of our upcoming mission. In this photo, I am in the Orion spacecraft simulator, shortly after an ascent, or launch, run.
LunarCaveman@LunarCavemanArtemis II will test live streaming with laser comms to lunar distances using the O2O system:
NASA Artemis@NASAArtemisThe @NASAKennedy team finished installing the ogive fairings (pronounced “oh-jive”) for the Orion launch abort system for the Artemis II mission. The four fairing panels shield the crew module during flight, and from vibrations experienced during launch.
John Kraus@johnkrausphotos·NEW: The crew of Artemis II has named their Orion spacecraft “Integrity.”Integrity will return humanity to the vicinity of the Moon for the first time since 1972.
That was unexpected. Spacecraft names were not used officially on Apollo until it became necessary to distinguish between CM and LM during separated flight.
Quote from: Hadley Delta on 09/26/2025 04:04 amThat was unexpected. Spacecraft names were not used officially on Apollo until it became necessary to distinguish between CM and LM during separated flight.Yep, but I guess they are following SpaceX Dragon naming. Eventually, there will be several Orion capsules that will be refurbished and re-flowned on other missions, so having names isn't a bad idea to keep them separate; otherwise, you have names like OV-101, 102, 103... instead of names for each.
The Mercury capsules had names. It's really the unnamed vehicles that are the exception.
Blobifi@Blobifie·The Kennedy Space Center Facebook page has shared a video showing the Artemis II Orion Stage Adapter being moved from the Multi Payload Processing Facility to the VAB!This likely confirms that all 4 cubesats, including the Argentinian "ATENEA" cubesat, have been installed!
🏳️🌈Alejandro Alcantarilla Romera (Alex)@Alexphysics13NASA's Artemis II Orion Integrity is on its way to meet with its SLS rocket in the VAB. Currently on the road and expected to arrive in a few minutes.
🏳️🌈Alejandro Alcantarilla Romera (Alex)@Alexphysics13Turning at the intersection, NASA worm logo now visible.Integrity spent the last several weeks at the Launch Abort System Facility (LASF) to be encapsulated in its launch ogive and have its launch abort system installed. Now, it's time for it to meet with its rocket in the VAB.
🏳️🌈Alejandro Alcantarilla Romera (Alex)@Alexphysics13For the most part, Orion has been the long pole when it comes to Artemis II schedule. Now the main driver for schedule delays will be the final few months of integration and launch preparations as well as the rollout to the pad and final rehearsals ahead of launch.
Elisar Priel@ENNEPS·Artemis II your ride to the moon has arrived.NASA's Orion "Integrity" Capsule has rolled out from the Launch Abort System Facility (LASF), to the VAB at KSC for stacking atop the awaiting SLS rocket, ahead of launch early next year.@NASASpaceflight
Lockheed Martin Space@LMSpaceDesigned for exploration. Engineered for protection.Orion’s Launch Abort System stands ready as the first and fastest safeguard — ready to protect astronauts in milliseconds if the mission calls for it. Explore how Orion’s LAS ensures every mission begins with confidence:
Harper Cheyenne 🚀@RocketGirlHarpOrion has arrived in the VAB ahead of Artemis II, scheduled to fly a crew of four to the Moon NET February 2026 🏹
Ben Kriz@BenKrizOrion has arrived at NASA’s VAB to be stacked on SLS for Artemis II—humanity’s next step to the Moon! 🚀🌕Beyond proud to work alongside an incredible team who made this moment possible! Next stop, launchpad 39B and then the Moon. Let’s Go!
🚀Orion is rolling out! 🌗Last night, the Artemis II Orion crew capsule rolled out to the Vehicle Assembly Building for stacking on the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket.This step brings Artemis II closer to its historic launch in 2026, paving the way for America’s return to the Moon! 🇺🇸
NASA Acting Administrator Sean Duffy@SecDuffyNASAThe last major hardware component before Artemis II launches early next year has been installed. 🚀🇺🇸🌕 “Integrity” is our Orion spacecraft that will hold the Artemis II astronauts on their trip around the Moon. It’s now fully attached to the Space Launch System and we are one step closer to mission launch!
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla., Oct. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In a move signifying mission readiness, NASA's Exploration Ground Systems (EGS) team recently joined and connected the Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT)-developed Orion spacecraft with the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket for the upcoming Artemis II mission. The Orion spacecraft, named Integrity by its astronaut crew, was transported to the Vehicle Assembly Building at the Kennedy Space Center where it was lifted atop the SLS rocket in High Bay 3 on Oct. 19. This marks a major milestone for the Artemis II mission as NASA and industry work toward a historic launch to the Moon with four astronauts early next year."Integration of SLS and Orion represents a major milestone in our progress on Artemis," said Acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy. "Soon, we will be launching four astronauts around the Moon for the first time in over half a century on Artemis II — the latest demonstration of American dominance in space."Following the mating, teams will make electrical and data connections between Orion and SLS, along with umbilical connections from the mobile launch platform to the spacecraft. EGS will conduct integrated tests of Orion and SLS before they are rolled out to Launch Pad 39B for a wet dress rehearsal next year."The full stack of Orion on the SLS is a truly spectacular sight," said Robert Lightfoot, president of Lockheed Martin Space. "Our teams have been working tirelessly to finalize these last steps and ensure Orion takes the crew to the Moon and brings them home safely."
“Prior to the countdown demonstration test, the agency had planned to conduct a day of launch closeout demonstration. This demonstration was paused when a blemish was found on the crew module thermal barrier, preventing hatch closure until it could be addressed. A repair was completed on Nov. 18 allowing the closeout demo to successfully complete on Nov. 19. To allow lessons learned from the closeout demo to be incorporated into the planning for the countdown demonstration test, the decision was made to proceed into water servicing next and place the countdown demonstration test after this servicing completes.”https://spaceflightnow.com/2025/12/04/orion-hatch-blemish-delays-launch-day-rehearsal-for-artemis-2-astronauts/
Is Orion’s heat shield really safe? New NASA chief conducts final review on eve of flight.Eric Berger – Jan 9, 2026 9:17 AM
1/9/2026 1:48PM PT - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/charlescamarda_nasa-artemisheatshield-orionheatshield-activity-7415490596121067520-ZtzEMy response to Eric Berger:Sorry Eric, what you perceived were my feelings of "being disrespected" were actually feelings of outrage at what I was witnessing. Some of the exact same people responsible for failing to understand the shortcomings of the Crater Analysis tool (used tiny pieces of foam impacts to Shuttle tiles predict a strike from a piece of foam which was 6000 larger and which caused the Columbia Accident) were on the Artemis Tiger Team now claiming they could predict the outcome of the Orion heatshield using a tool (similar to CRATER) called the Crack Identification Tool (CIT) which was also not physics based and relied on predictions of the key paramenter, permeability, which they claim to be the "root" cause, pressure, to vary by three orders of magnitude (thats over 1000x). I guess the fact that the you, the Artemis Program Tiger Team and the IRT missed this minutiae and the fact that they were using this tool to predict failure and risk was not important to note. You also missed that the only person to create a true multiphysics analysis to try to predict spallation, Dr. Stephen Scotti, stated that his code could only predict cracking and not spallation and could not be used quantatively, only qualitatively (hopefully I dont have to explain to you what that means).The rage you witnessed was my observing the exact behaviors used to construct of risk and flight rationale which caused both Challenger and Columbia Accidents. Using "tools" inappropriately and then claiming results to be "Conservative." Not to mention the reliance on Monte Carlo simulations to predict failure probabilities which were also proven to be innacurate by orders of magnitude in my book "Mission Out of Control" which you claim to have read.I suggest, in the spirit of transparency, you should ask NASA to release just the "Findings" of NESC Report TI-23-01849 Volume I. Finding 1 states the analysis cannot accurately predict crack initiation and propagation at flight conditions. And there was so much more which was conveniently not presented.I hope Jared understands what a challenging job he will have trying to fix the culture at NASA. If those are the people he is relying on to keep our crews safe, our only hope is to have faith in God and pray. I hope Jared sees the issues and will have the courage to do what is necessary.Otherwise, a good attempt at "journalism."
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman@NASAAdmin·Thank you to everyone who engaged in a thoughtful and productive discussion regarding the Orion heat shield.Human spaceflight will always involve uncertainty. NASA’s standard engineering process is to identify it early, bound the risk through rigorous analysis and testing, and apply operational mitigations that preserve margin and protect the crew. That process works best when concerns are raised early and debated transparently.I appreciate the willingness of participants to engage on this subject, including former NASA astronaut Danny Olivas, whose perspective reflects how serious technical questions can be addressed through data, analysis, testing, and decisions grounded in the best engineering judgment available.Crew safety remains our foremost priority at NASA. With this disciplined approach in place every step of the way, we are moving steadily—and confidently—toward sending astronauts farther into space than ever before.
From October 2023 through August of 2024, I had the privilege of participating as an Independent Technical Reviewer of NASAs efforts to understand the Artemis I heatshiled anomaly.NASA had a very difficult problem to solve but I'm pleased to share that team did an outstanding job of working the problem. Hindsight is always 20/20 but this effort reinforced my appreciation of the commitment that NASA has to the safety and wellbeing of the crew.Spaceflight is a dangerous business but risks must be taken the name of advancing technology and our understanding of the cosmos. I have faith in NASA and know they have made t right decision. They leverage what they know and acknowledge what they don't know with a sound strategy to mitigate the remaining risk with margin to spare.Next up, light this candle and we'll see you when you get bac from your trip around the Moon.To my friends, Reid, Victor, Christina, and Jeremy, Godspeed the crew of Artemis II.#Exploration #Innovation #Aerospace #Engineering
Charlie Camarda PhD@CharlieCamardaSorry to disagree Jared. Read my letter and hear the other side of the story. You only heard the Program side. We still have time.
I can't find the letter.
All I found was his response to Danny Olivas.
Artemis II: A tour of the Orion spacecraft's toilets!During their round trip to the Moon, our four astronauts will have to spend 10 days confined to a space measuring just 9 m³...How do you manage your bodily needs when you're 400,000 km from Earth? Jeremy Hansen from the Canadian Space Agency has the answer!
