NASA’s deep-space exploration rocket began taking shape last month when the
Boeing-built core stage for the agency’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket was lifted into the mobile launcher at Kennedy Space Centre’s vehicle assembly building. The 65m, 85,275kg core stage is the backbone of the rocket, supporting all the parts of the rocket that are stacked above it.
Following core stage connection to the boosters and the launch vehicle stage adapter, NASA will begin stacking the interim cryogenic propulsion stage. Built by
wUnited Launch Alliance in partnership with Boeing, this in-space stage will deliver the push needed to propel Orion towards lunar orbit on the uncrewed Artemis I mission.
Boeing said it has saved weeks of ‘critical-path progress’ towards the launch by using “solid planning tools that enabled post-test refurbishment work and integration preparation to happen simultaneously”.
Mark Nappi, the Boeing ‘green run’ director who now manages Boeing launch operations at Kennedy, said: “After the ‘green run’ core stage test series, we condensed the Stennis Space Centre scheduled work to bring the team and tooling to Kennedy and shorten the time to launch. We were able to complete refurbishment ahead of plan, then support NASA’s stacking and integration team — a really remarkable accomplishment.”
Boeing has set up ‘shipside’ support to handle any core stage-related work NASA may need during the integration.