NASA is nearing completion of its giant Artemis 2 SLS moon rocket. The rocket, which will launch astronauts on a course around the moon and back to Earth, has made significant progress in recent days.
On April 12, the rocket’s conical stage adapter was added to the stack inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Three days later, the interim cryogenic propulsion stage (ICPS) was transported to the VAB on April 15 after completing testing and checkouts at the Multi-Payload Processing Facility.
The ICPS is a crucial component of the rocket, responsible for powering the spacecraft during its journey to the moon. With the addition of this piece, NASA is one step closer to returning humans to the Moon.
The Artemis 2 mission, set to launch in Spring 2026, will send astronauts on a historic journey around the Moon. The crew will include three NASA astronauts and one Canadian Space Agency astronaut, who will fly aboard the Orion spacecraft.
NASA’s long-term goal is to establish a permanent presence on the Moon, with the Artemis program serving as a stepping stone for missions to Mars. The agency has delayed several key milestones due to damage sustained by the Orion spacecraft during its previous mission, but progress is finally underway.
As the Artemis 2 rocket nears completion, NASA’s team of engineers and technicians are working tirelessly to ensure a successful launch. With the addition of the ICPS, the clock is ticking closer to the Spring 2026 launch date, marking a major milestone in humanity’s return to the Moon.
Source: https://www.space.com/space-exploration/artemis/nasa-continues-stacking-its-giant-artemis-2-sls-moon-rocket-photos