Photo credit: www.nasa.gov

NASA Advances Artemis II Mission with Key Upper Stage Delivery

On March 9, NASA took a significant step forward in its Artemis II mission by receiving the upper stage component for the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket. This essential piece was provided by Boeing and United Launch Alliance (ULA) and has been designated as the interim cryogenic propulsion stage. The delivery took place at the Multi Payload Processing Facility (MPPF), located at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

The upper stage journeyed to the spaceport from the ULA’s Delta Operations Center at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, showcasing efficient logistics in support of the ongoing Artemis program.

Upon arrival at the MPPF, the focus will shift to preparing the SLS upper stage for its critical role in the mission. Technicians are set to fuel the stage with hydrazine, which is essential for its reaction control system. This preparation process will lead to the upper stage being transported to the Vehicle Assembly Building, where it will be integrated with other components of the SLS rocket atop mobile launcher 1. Notably, the solid rocket booster segments are already prepared for launch, and the core stage is set to be integrated shortly, along with the launch vehicle stage adapter. The upper stage will be connected to this adapter as part of the assembly process.

This advanced four-story propulsion system is equipped with an innovative RL10 engine, designed to propel the Orion spacecraft. The engine’s capabilities are crucial as it will provide the necessary thrust for Orion to complete two orbits around Earth before it embarks on its journey toward the Moon.

Photo Credit: United Launch Alliance and NASA/Skip Williams

Source
www.nasa.gov