3, 2, 1 – Activate! Moon rocket vertical platforms complete

Suspended 225 feet in the air, the Space Launch System (SLS) core stage set to power the Artemis II mission to the moon was recently lowered into a new holding fixture that provides continuous 360-degree access to the core stage. The lift operation to install the Artemis II Core Stage (CS) into the Core Stage Vertical Integration Center (CSVIC) involved a complex rotation to a vertical orientation and precise mounting to the CSVIC. It was a two-day endeavor, similar to the process used to position the Space Shuttle for mating to the booster stack.

Weighing approximately 5 million pounds, the CSVIC is anchored by a foundation of 1,000+ cubic yards of concrete. Additionally, this facility has its own electrical substation and power distribution system, including over 17 miles (27.35 KM) of electrical wiring.

The CSVIC was activated in December 2024. Located inside the Vehicle Assembly Building’s (VAB) High Bay 2 (HB2) at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, this facility will enable a more efficient CS integration process.

Michigan-based supplier Futuramic Tool and Engineering (FTE) led the design and build of the CSVIC.

“Futuramic's commitment to quality and efficiency was evident throughout the project,” said Craig Williams, Director, SLS Core Stage Integrated Product Team. “From the initial design phase to the final installation, they worked diligently to ensure that every aspect of the CSVIC met the highest standards."

Boeing streamlined the SLS Core Stage assembly sequence by attaching the engine section to the core stage in a vertical orientation at KSC rather than in the horizontal at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility (MAF). Attaching in the vertical orientation simplifies the integration process as lines and ducts are now easier to align without fighting against gravity. All integration activities can now be performed with a single work platform set-up, contributing to overall schedule improvements for the Artemis program.

This move doubles the footprint of useable space within the VAB, giving access to both High Bay 2 & High Bay 3 simultaneously, while also freeing up space at MAF to continue work on the individual elements for Core Stages 3, 4 and 5 and the Exploration Upper Stage. The skills and experience of the workforce at MAF were crucial in supporting this transition.

The establishment of the CSVIC at KSC provides the needed operational efficiency and reduces risks by consolidating critical integration activities in a single location. This strategic move is bringing Boeing significantly closer to NASA’s one-year build requirements, ultimately providing the SLS program with improved capability.

Originally slated to support Core Stage 3, the activation timeline for the CSVIC was accelerated to facilitate the vertical integration of Core Stage 2 (CS2). This change allows for work to be completed on the core stage in HB2, while the boosters are stacked onto the mobile launcher in HB3, shortening the overall processing timeline for the Artemis II mission.

Vehicles to support Artemis III, IV, and V are in progress at the MAF. The engine sections for both Artemis III and IV are already at the Space Station Processing Facility at KSC.

“The successful activation of the CSVIC is not just a technical milestone; it reflects the commitment and expertise of all involved,” said David Dutcher, Vice President and Program Manager, Boeing’s Space Launch System program. “This achievement marks a major advancement in NASA's Artemis program, bringing America closer to new frontiers in space exploration.”

NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket – the nation’s next-generation, super heavy-lift rocket – will enable NASA’s Artemis program and will carry people and cargo to the moon, Mars and beyond. Boeing was selected by NASA to design, develop, test and produce the core stages, upper stages, and avionics suite for the SLS fleet of rockets. The first SLS rocket – featuring the Boeing-built core stage – successfully launched at 1:47 AM ET on November 16, 2022, as part of the Artemis I Mission. Production is currently underway for the Boeing-built core stages, upper stages (including Exploration Upper Stage) and avionics for future Artemis missions. Learn more about the SLS.

By Casey Cappa