Swerd Media: Space Launch System’s Artemis 2 Rocket Nears Completion with Installation of RS-25 Engines
In a significant milestone for NASA’s Artemis 2 moon mission, the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket has successfully installed all four RS-25 engines on its core stage. This development paves the way for the first crewed moon mission in half a century.
The core stage, which will be responsible for propelling astronauts on their historic journey, now boasts the installation of all its engines. Among the four engines, two are recycled from NASA’s retired space shuttle program, while the other two incorporate recycled hardware.
The painstaking engine installation process took place between September 11 and September 20 at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. Now that this milestone is achieved, the next steps involve securing the engines to the stage and integrating the propulsion and electrical systems.
Following the completion of assembly, the fully equipped SLS rocket will be transported to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Once there, it will undergo rigorous testing at the launch pad as preparations for the Artemis 2 mission intensify.
Preparations for Artemis 2 are already well underway at Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Pad 39B. Seven crucial readiness tests are currently being conducted to ensure the rocket’s readiness for its momentous mission.
The crew for Artemis 2 has been carefully selected and includes esteemed individuals such as NASA commander Reid Wiseman, NASA pilot Victor Glover, NASA mission specialist Christina Koch, and Canadian Space Agency mission specialist Jeremy Hansen. Their expertise and dedication will play a pivotal role in the success of the mission.
If all goes according to plan and potential setbacks are minimized, a follow-up mission, aptly named Artemis 3, is projected to land astronauts on the moon in either 2025 or 2026. This ambitious undertaking underscores NASA’s commitment to exploring and expanding human capabilities in space.
As the Artemis program continues to make progress, the world eagerly anticipates the unfolding of a new chapter in space exploration. Stay tuned for further updates on this groundbreaking endeavor.
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