Found this update regarding the ML-2 mobile launch platform:https://spaceflightnow.com/2022/12/09/repairs-and-upgrades-await-sls-mobile-launcher-before-crewed-lunar-mission/
Sidus Space started 2023 with the announcement of a new contract from Bechtel Corporation to manufacture cables for the NASA Mobile Launcher 2 project. Sidus announced the contract award, Jan. 3. Mobile Launcher 2 (ML2) is the ground platform structure that will launch Space Launch System (SLS) Block 1B and Block 2 configurations to the Moon, allowing the agency to send astronauts and heavy cargo to the lunar surface as part of NASA’s Artemis program. ML2 is the primary interface between the ground launch control system and the SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft flight hardware.Sidus was previously awarded a contract to fabricate custom cables and populate unique electronics cabinets supporting the launch control subsystem and ground special power subsystems.
Wild, man. House budget legislation for 2024 provides $501 million for that year, alone, to fund development of the second mobile launch platform for the SLS rocket. https://docs.house.gov/meetings/AP/AP19/20230714/116251/BILLS-118--AP--CJS-FY24CJSSubcommitteeMark.pdf
The mobile launcher was originally supposed to cost $383 million. If this funding goes through it will push the money allocated to date above $1 billion, and construction has yet to really begin. Insane, really.
📹 Timelapse: Watch from the mobile launcher 2 parksite as teams from @Bechtel begin to set in place the first 'super assembly' onto the temporary mount mechanism. The Vehicle Assembly Building at @NASAKennedy, where the @NASA_SLS rocket will be assembled, can be seen in back.Teams will assemble the first pair of 43 trusses and girders that make up the base of the mobile launcher 2, which will support future @NASAArtemis missions starting with #Artemis IV.
twitter.com/sciguyspace/status/1679500542245064705QuoteWild, man. House budget legislation for 2024 provides $501 million for that year, alone, to fund development of the second mobile launch platform for the SLS rocket. https://docs.house.gov/meetings/AP/AP19/20230714/116251/BILLS-118--AP--CJS-FY24CJSSubcommitteeMark.pdf*yeet tweet*QuoteThe mobile launcher was originally supposed to cost $383 million. If this funding goes through it will push the money allocated to date above $1 billion, and construction has yet to really begin. Insane, really.
Checking in on NASA's huge Mobile Launchers for SLS, NSF's Nathan Barker (@NASA_Nerd) spoke with David Sumner, Senior Project Manager for NASA’s Exploration Ground Systems (EGS).
Tug and barge have arrived at KSC to unload the second delivery of steel trusses for SLS Mobile Launcher 2 (ML-2).ML-1 in the background at 39B for testing ahead of Artemis-2. nsf.live/spacecoast
https://twitter.com/spaceoffshore/status/1701648719609794959QuoteTug and barge have arrived at KSC to unload the second delivery of steel trusses for SLS Mobile Launcher 2 (ML-2).ML-1 in the background at 39B for testing ahead of Artemis-2.
Tug and barge have arrived at KSC to unload the second delivery of steel trusses for SLS Mobile Launcher 2 (ML-2).ML-1 in the background at 39B for testing ahead of Artemis-2.
NASA’s Mobile Launcher-2 costs have rocketed over $1b—nearly three times the original contract estimate. Our team will examine what NASA is doing to contain future cost growth and schedule delays.Catch up on our previous ML-2 work:
Back in June, teams received the first truss for the mobile launcher 2 and last month, they started assembling its base. But what happened between then?In July, teams at @Bechtel blasted the steel and coated it in zinc inside one of the facilities at @NASAKennedy before using it for assembly. Coating the steel in zinc helps protect the material from rust and corrosion. From here, teams will continue to assemble the mobile launcher 2 base in support of future Artemis missions, starting with #Artemis IV.
The next delivery of steel to construct the SLS Mobile Launcher 2 sailed through Port Canaveral before sunrise this morning - heading up to the KSC turn basic for unload.This is delivery #3 by my count, and first from Louisiana.nsf.live/spacecoast
Party never stops at the KSC turn basin! SpaceX hardware departed yesterday, SLS mobile launcher 2 steel arrives today.Live: nsf.live/spacecoast
More steel for SLS Mobile Launcher 2 (ML-2) is arriving at the Turn Basin at KSC.nsf.live/spacecoast
The next delivery of steel to construct ML-2 for future SLS missions arrived at Kennedy Space Center a short while ago. Many more to come...nsf.live/spacecoast
Crawler Transporter 2 (CT-2) is on the move ready to pick up the initial build of Mobile Launcher 2 (ML-2).You can also see ML-1 in the background on 39B.nsf.live/spacecoast
