NASA rocket hardware prepped for shipment to Space Coast

NASA rocket hardware prepped for shipment to Space Coast
by Brad Bartz
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Aug 01, 2023

The United Launch Alliance (ULA) has prepared crucial components for the next phase of NASA's ambitious Artemis III mission, taking us one step closer to realizing the vision of returning astronauts to the lunar surface. On July 31, in the presence of Artemis team members and media personnel, ULA's Decatur, Alabama facility was buzzing with anticipation as teams oversaw the careful preparation of the interim cryogenic propulsion stage (ICPS) of NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) rocket for Artemis III.

The ICPS is poised to be transported by ULA's R/S RocketShip to its sister facility in Florida, situated close to NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Here, the essential component will go through the final rounds of checkouts, ensuring that it is primed for the historic mission.

Playing a pivotal role in the Artemis III mission, the ICPS, powered by a single RL10 engine, is responsible for providing in-space propulsion. It is designed to propel the Orion spacecraft, carrying the mission's astronauts, on an accurate trajectory towards the Moon. The RL10 engine is an integral part of the propulsion stage and is produced by Aerojet Rocketdyne, the SLS engines' lead contractor, based in West Palm Beach, Florida.

However, the ICPS currently prepped for Artemis III signifies the end of an era as the Space Launch System transitions to the more advanced Block 1B configuration with an upgraded upper stage, which will make its debut with Artemis IV.

In the words of Chris Calfee, deputy manager for the SLS spacecraft and payload integration and evolution office, "The ICPS is a key piece of hardware for NASA's SLS rocket, and with this shipment, NASA is another step closer to returning astronauts to the lunar surface under Artemis." Calfee went on to emphasize the successful partnership between NASA, ULA, and Boeing, who together have produced a "powerful and dynamic in-space propulsion stage that has laid the foundation for human exploration of deep space for decades to come."

The ULA, a premier launch service provider, manufactures the ICPS, contributing substantially to the Artemis missions. Working collaboratively with Boeing, the lead contractor for the SLS core stage and exploration upper stage, they are shaping the future of space exploration and are instrumental in developing the ICPS.