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Advancing Artemis: Moon rocket hardware delivered

Boeing supplies NASA with critical components to power future lunar missions.

September 27, 2024 in Space Launch System, Space

Boeing rolled out two critical components for NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) from the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, Louisiana, in support of future Artemis missions.

The Artemis III core stage boat tail and Artemis IV core stage engine section were shipped to Cape Canaveral at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida, via the Pegasus barge.

Artemis Moon rocket hardware Boeing rolls out two critical components for NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) from the agency’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, Louisiana, for delivery, in support of future Artemis missions. (Boeing photo)
What’s next:
  • Artemis III boat tail: Upon arrival at KSC, teams will prepare the boat tail for integration to the bottom of Artemis III engine section.
  • Artemis IV engine section: Prior to shipment, Boeing outfitted the Artemis IV engine section with internal tubing, originally scheduled for completion at KSC. Once it arrives, the engine section will undergo remaining propulsion and avionics subsystem integration and testing.

Meanwhile, at Michoud Assembly Facility, Team Boeing continues to make significant progress on the remaining elements of the core stage for NASA's Artemis III and IV missions.

Artemis III:
  • Liquid oxygen (LOX) tank progress: The LOX tank welding was successfully completed in January, followed by rigorous proof testing to simulate mission-like pressure. No leaks were revealed during the post-proof inspection, ensuring the tank's integrity. Currently, baffles are being installed – which are perforated plates that prevent the propellant fluid from sloshing around in flight. Once complete, the tank will be washed.
  • Liquid hydrogen (LH2) tank: After a thorough cleaning, the LH2 tank has been primed and being prepared for the application of the thermal protection system (TPS). The TPS will insulate the cryogenic fluids within the tank, maintaining their low temperatures and protecting the hardware from the extreme conditions of launch and flight.
  • Intertank and forward skirt: These components are currently undergoing electrical integration, followed by functional testing.
Artemis IV:
  • All barrels and domes for the LOX and LH2 tanks are complete and awaiting integration.
Artemis V:
  • Production on the core stage for Artemis V has begun.