“Orion Spacecraft Hits Milestone: Artemis II Countdown Kicks Off with Stacking Success!”
In a move demonstrating mission readiness, NASA’s Exploration Ground Systems (EGS) team recently connected the Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT)-developed Orion spacecraft with the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket for the upcoming Artemis II mission.
The Orion spacecraft, designated as Integrity by its astronaut crew, was transported to the Vehicle Assembly Building at the Kennedy Space Center where it was positioned atop the SLS rocket in High Bay 3 on Oct. 19. This marks a significant achievement for the Artemis II mission as NASA and industry unite for a groundbreaking launch to the Moon with four astronauts early next year.
“The integration of SLS and Orion signifies an important milestone in our progress on Artemis,” remarked Acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy. “Shortly, we will be sending four astronauts around the Moon for the first time in over fifty years on Artemis II — the latest testament to American leadership in space exploration.”
Following the connection, teams will establish electrical and data connections between Orion and SLS, alongside umbilical links from the mobile launch platform to the spacecraft. EGS is set to conduct comprehensive tests of Orion and SLS before their deployment to Launch Pad 39B for a wet dress rehearsal next year.
“The complete assembly of Orion on the SLS is truly an awe-inspiring vision,” commented Robert Lightfoot, president of Lockheed Martin Space. “Our teams have been tirelessly working to finalize these last steps and ensure Orion securely transports the crew to the Moon and returns them safely.”
The inaugural crewed mission of the Artemis initiative is projected to launch no earlier than February 2026, with potential launch opportunities extending into April 2026. The mission is expected to span ten days and is a crucial step in establishing a sustained presence on the Moon for exploration and scientific research.
Orion is the most advanced, human-rated, deep-space spacecraft ever constructed. Lockheed Martin is the primary contractor to NASA for Orion, producing the crew module, crew module adapter, and launch abort system.
