Boeing is Advancing towards a Milestone in the Space Launch System (SLS) Program

Boeing is advancing towards a significant milestone in the Space Launch System (SLS) program, with the completion of the Artemis III core stage at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center (KSC). This marks a transition in the production process, as previous builds, including the Artemis II core stage, were completed at the Michoud Assembly Facility (MAF) in New Orleans.

The Artemis III core stage, representing the first core stage to be completed at KSC, has already seen the engine section transported to Florida for outfitting. Boeing is targeting to have the new facilities in the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at KSC ready by the end of 2024, aligning with their goal for the stage hardware to be prepared for final assembly. This transition signifies a significant shift in Boeing’s production approach, as future core stages will undergo final construction at their launch site at KSC, rather than at MAF​.

The core stage for Artemis III is expected to be completed in 2025, following the scheduled launch of Artemis II at the end of 2024. The engine section’s outfitting is being carried out in the Space Station Processing Facility (SSPF) at Kennedy, with the remainder of the stage continuing to be assembled at MAF. This assembly includes complex tasks such as orbital tube welding and installation of large subassemblies and equipment, scheduled for completion in the end-of-2024 timeframe​.

Boeing’s production strategy for Artemis III involves intricate coordination of various components, with the liquid oxygen (LOX) tank being a critical path to the ‘4/5ths’ join – a crucial step that combines the forward skirt, LOX tank, intertank, and liquid hydrogen (LH2) tank. This approach underscores the complexity and precision required in constructing such advanced space launch systems.