The Latest Update on the Next Flight of SLS...

NASA / Brandon Hancock

NASA Rocket Flight Software for Artemis II Meets Testing Checkpoint (News Release)

The first Artemis astronauts have begun crew training for their Artemis II mission around the Moon, and teams at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, are testing and configuring the flight software for the mega-Moon rocket that will launch them on their journey.

When NASA’s SLS (Space Launch System) launches NASA’s Artemis II crew aboard the Orion spacecraft, it will produce more than 8.8 million pounds of thrust. The SLS rocket’s flight software acts as the “brains” of the vehicle, activating 48 hours prior to launch to command all that power and energy for the first eight minutes of the mission through the separation of its in-space propulsion stage.

Inside the SLS Software Development Facility (SDF) at Marshall, software engineers recently completed the first part of formal qualification testing for the Artemis II SLS flight software.

The rocket’s flight software consists of approximately 50,000 lines of code. To test the SLS computer systems and flight software ahead of launch, a team inside the SDF simulates a series of normal and off-nominal SLS rocket and environmental scenarios, called test cases.

SLS flight software qualification testing includes multiple test procedures to verify software requirements. By the conclusion of the two-week test period on May 15, engineers had completed 179 test procedures with approximately 58,000 test cases.

In comparison, the first phase of qualification testing for Artemis II completed in 2022 had 72 test procedures consisting of 9,500 test cases.

“The SLS flight software team integrated operational improvements and new test scenarios in preparation for Artemis II based on lessons learned from the successful launch of Artemis I in November 2022,” said Dan Mitchell, NASA’s lead SLS integrated avionics and software engineer. “The test facilities at Marshall Space Flight Center have the capability to produce thousands of test cases the SLS flight software is required to detect and respond to appropriately on launch day, offering us the opportunity to assess and certify all the major software elements and systems on the rocket before the first crew flies on SLS.”

The second and final phase of formal qualification testing for the SLS flight software in the SDF is set to begin in July. Beginning in the fall, engineers will begin integrated system testing in the SLS Systems Integration Lab (SIL) using the full suite of SLS avionics hardware and flight software.

Together, the test results from the SIL system and flight software SDF will provide teams key evidence to support mission readiness for Artemis II. By the time the SLS rocket launches Artemis II, flight software engineers will have “flown” the SLS mission more than 100,000 times within the various SLS avionics and software development and test facilities.

NASA is working to land the first woman and first person of color on the Moon under Artemis. SLS is part of NASA’s backbone for deep space exploration, along with the Orion spacecraft, advanced spacesuits and rovers, the Gateway in orbit around the Moon, and commercial human landing systems.

SLS is the only rocket that can send Orion, astronauts and supplies to the Moon in a single mission.

Source: NASA.Gov

Virgin Galactic Has Officially Commenced Commercial Spaceflight Operations...

Virgin Galactic

Earlier today, VSS Unity soared towards the edge of space a little over a month after the Unity 25 mission on May 25. Aboard the suborbital vehicle for this morning's inaugural commercial spaceflight, Galactic 01, were three members of the Italian Air Force: Col. Walter Villadei, Lt. Col. Angelo Landolfi and Pantaleone Carlucci.

Virgin Galactic's astronaut instructor Colin Bennett was the fourth passenger on Galactic 01.

Here are the stats from today's flight:

Take-off Time: 8:30 AM, MDT (7:30 AM, PDT)

Release Altitude: 44,500 feet (13,564 meters)

Apogee: 52.9 miles (85.1 kilometers)

Landing Time: 9:42 AM, MDT (8:42 AM, PDT)

Number of Scientific Payloads: 13

With Virgin Galactic's first scientific research mission now in the books, the company looks ahead to Galactic 02...which will see the first private paying passengers soaring aboard VSS Unity this August.

Stay tuned!


Virgin Galactic


Virgin Galactic


Virgin Galactic

A Major Milestone for the Next Crewed Flight to the Moon...

NASA / Cory Huston

Orion Heat Shield Installed for NASA’s Artemis II Mission (News Release - June 27)

On June 25, 2023, teams completed installation of the heat shield for the Artemis II Orion spacecraft inside the high bay of the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

The 16.5-foot-wide heat shield is one of the most important systems on the Orion spacecraft, ensuring a safe return of the astronauts on board. As the spacecraft returns to Earth following its mission around the Moon, it will be traveling at speeds of about 25,000 mph and experience outside temperatures of nearly 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

Inside the spacecraft, however, astronauts will experience a much more comfortable temperature in the mid-70s thanks to Orion’s thermal protection system.

Up next, the spacecraft will be outfitted with some of its external panels ahead of acoustic testing later this summer. These tests will validate the crew module can withstand the vibrations it will experience throughout the Artemis II mission, during launch, flight and landing.

Once acoustic testing is complete, technicians will attach the crew module to Orion’s service module, marking a major milestone for the Artemis II mission, the first flight with astronauts under Artemis that will test and check out all of Orion’s systems needed for future crewed missions.

Source: NASA.Gov

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NASA / Cory Huston

Photos of the Day: Starship 25 Finally Roars to Life...

SpaceX

At Starbase in Texas, all six of Starship 25's Raptor 2 engines roared to life as the prototype vehicle successfully conducted its first static fire yesterday.

While SpaceX continues to make progress on prepping the next rocket that will soar on the second Starship Flight Test, which may happen in about six weeks, the company is also finishing repairs on the Orbital Launch Mount (OLM) after it sustained major damage during Starship Super Heavy's first flight two months ago.

As shown in the tweets at the very bottom of this entry, new concrete was poured at the base of OLM...with additional modifications taking place which will ensure that the foundation around this structure can withstand the thrust of the next batch of 33 Raptor 2 engines igniting on top of it for launch. Stay tuned!


SpaceX


SpaceX


SpaceX

Ship 25 completes a six-engine static fire test at Starbase in Texas pic.twitter.com/wCCrh0RRNA

— SpaceX (@SpaceX) June 27, 2023

Concrete trucks are starting to arrive at the Orbital Launch Mount and the pumper arm (no idea if that's what they are called) is starting to get into place for the big pour!https://t.co/e3xbqPnwZ5 pic.twitter.com/9foBOeIJi2

— Chris Bergin - NSF (@NASASpaceflight) June 26, 2023

132 trucks! Here's the end of the big pour ops timelapse:https://t.co/e3xbqPnwZ5 https://t.co/rTrR96DruL pic.twitter.com/OD0NXPorHN

— Chris Bergin - NSF (@NASASpaceflight) June 26, 2023

A Yearlong, Simulated Mars Mission Has Begun in Texas...

NASA

At NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, the four members of NASA's Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog (CHAPEA) project have entered their home for the next year.

The CHAPEA crew—consisting of Anca Selariu, Nathan Jones, Ross Brockwell and Kelly Haston (who is the commander)—is simulating a Mars mission that will help assess health and performance influenced by resource limitations in confinement and isolation that would be experienced during an actual sojourn on the Red Planet.

The door to the Mars-like habitat is officially closed and the mission has commenced. Godspeed, CHAPEA Crew 1!

A Fellow Space Superpower Has Joined NASA's Moon Exploration Initiative...

NASA / Bill Ingalls

NASA Welcomes India as 27th Artemis Accords Signatory (Press Release - June 23)

During a ceremony at the Willard InterContinental Hotel in Washington on Wednesday, June 21, India became the 27th country to sign the Artemis Accords. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson participated in the signing ceremony for the agency and Taranjit Singh Sandhu, India’s ambassador to the United States, signed on behalf of India.

The Artemis Accords establish a practical set of principles to guide space exploration cooperation among nations, including those participating in NASA’s Artemis program.

“On behalf of NASA, on behalf of President Biden and Vice President Harris, we are very pleased to grow our partnership with India here on Earth and in space,” said Administrator Bill Nelson. “As we venture farther out into the cosmos than ever before, how we go is as important as what we do when we reach our destinations. We want to go in a peaceful way. We want to go in a transparent way. And we want to support each other in times of trouble. We are very grateful for India’s leadership in signing the Artemis Accords and look forward to all that we will accomplish together.”

“India is taking a landmark step in becoming a party to the Artemis Accords, a momentous occasion for our bilateral space cooperation,” said Sandhu. “We reiterate India's commitment to space exploration underpinned by new levels of cooperation and progress. India is a responsible space power and places the highest importance on the peaceful and sustainable use of outer space. We are confident that the Artemis Accords will advance a rule-based approach to outer space. It also underlines our collective belief that exploration is not just the pursuit of knowledge – of knowing the unknown – but is a catalyst in advancing the betterment of humanity. In that sense, signing of these Accords highlights the evolution of a partnership into one for global good.”

NASA, in coordination with the U.S. Department of State, established the Artemis Accords in 2020 together with seven other founding member nations. The Artemis Accords reinforce and implement key obligations in the 1967 Outer Space Treaty. They also reinforce the commitment by the United States and signatory nations to the Registration Convention, the Rescue and Return Agreement, as well as best practices and norms of responsible behavior that NASA and its partners have supported, including the public release of scientific data.

Additional countries will sign the Artemis Accords in the months and years ahead, as NASA continues to work with its international partners to establish a safe, peaceful and prosperous future in space. Working with both new and existing partners will add new energy and capabilities to ensure that the entire world can benefit from our journey of exploration and discovery.

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NASA / Joel Kowsky

Photo of the Day: Starship 25 Moves a Step Closer to Its First Static Fire...

SpaceX

Yesterday, SpaceX successfully conducted a chill and spin test for Starship 25's Raptor 2 engine pumps...paving the way for the vehicle's upcoming static fire as the company gears up for Starship's next launch attempt.

According to Elon Musk over a week ago, Starship Super Heavy is 6 to 8 weeks away from another effort to send the mega rocket on a suborbital flight across the globe...with Starship 25 ending its test with a splashdown hundreds of miles off the coast of Hawaii.

Of course, the next attempt of the Starship Flight Test is dependent on the ongoing investigation led by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) into the environmental impact at Boca Chica Beach—where Starbase is located—after the previous launch ended with Super Heavy self-destructing high above the Texas coastline two months ago. We'll see when the FAA finally clears Starship to soar again.

Initial Testing Is Now Complete on the Upgraded RS-25 That Will Fly on SLS, Beginning with Artemis 5...

NASA / Danny Nowlin

NASA Achieves Key Milestone for Production of Future Artemis Engines (Press Release)

NASA achieved a key milestone on June 22, completing an initial certification test series designed to pave the way for production of new RS-25 engines to help power NASA’s SLS (Space Launch System) rocket on future Artemis missions to the Moon, beginning with Artemis V.

“This certification test series for the redesigned engine sets the stage for a new chapter of spaceflight history for the RS-25 engines and future flights of the SLS rocket,” said Johnny Heflin, SLS liquid engines manager. “The newly-redesigned RS-25 engines leverage advanced manufacturing techniques and innovative designs while increasing the engine’s performance as NASA aims (to) establish a sustainable presence on the Moon and prepare for future missions to Mars.”

Engineers conducted a full-duration test of more than eight minutes (500 seconds) on an RS-25 certification engine manufactured by SLS engines lead contractor Aerojet Rocketdyne. The engine incorporates dozens of improvements to make production more efficient and affordable while maintaining high performance and reliability.

The test series on the Fred Haise Test Stand at NASA’s Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, is designed to verify that the new engines meet all Artemis flight requirements.

The stage is now set for a second – and final – certification series to begin in early fall. Data from the certification tests will confirm that all is good to go in producing new engines for use beginning with the Artemis V mission to the Moon as NASA continues its effort to explore the secrets of the Universe for the benefit of all.

Aerojet Rocketdyne is employing new manufacturing processes and techniques, including 3D printing, to produce the RS-25 more efficiently. NASA has awarded the company contracts to provide 24 new engines, which will help power six SLS launches.

Four RS-25 engines fire simultaneously to produce more than 2 million pounds of combined thrust to help launch the rocket.

The recent certification series featured a dozen full-duration tests and plenty of highlights, including –

- Almost 110 minutes of cumulative hot fire duration. Each of the 12 tests fired for at least 8 minutes (500 seconds) and several for even longer to fully characterize engine performance.

The 500-second tests simulate the same amount of time the engine must perform to lift SLS and astronauts aboard the Orion spacecraft to orbit. The engine approached 2 hours (6,570 seconds) of cumulative hot fire time during the series.

- Four long-duration tests. Operators conducted a pair of 10-minute tests, as well as 10-and-a-half minute and 12-minute hot fires, during the series. The 720-second test represented the longest-ever hot fire of a modified RS-25 engine.

- An aggressive gimbal test. Halfway through the campaign, operators conducted a gimbal test of the engine to ensure that it will pivot as needed to maintain SLS stability and trajectory during flight.

Operators moved the engine by as much as 6 degrees from center on a tight circular axis and in a back-and-forth pattern to demonstrate the gimbaling capability.

- A wide range of power levels. Operators fired the RS-25 engine from 80% to 113% power levels to test the performance of the engine in various scenarios.

The first four Artemis missions use modified space shuttle main engines that can power up to 109% of their rated level. New RS-25 engines will power up to the 111% level to provide additional thrust.

Operators tested up to the 113% power level during a number of certification hot fires to learn about the engine’s capabilities and to provide a margin of operational safety.

State-of-the-art components. The certification engine featured various components manufactured with advanced processes and techniques, including a main combustion chamber using hot isostatic pressure bonding, an improved nozzle brazing process, new flex hoses and numerous 3D-fabricated components.

The certification hot fires demonstrate the performance capabilities of the new components.

The initial certification series provided key data about the performance limits of the redesigned engine and components. “Testing new hardware always is a learning process, even on an engine as proven as the RS-25,” said Chip Ellis, manager of the RS-25 Engine Test Project at NASA Stennis. “The success of this series really is a testament to NASA’s commitment to ‘test as we fly’ and to the expertise of the test team.”

“This 12-test series demonstrated our confidence level that our new designs have the same reliability and performance as their predecessors,” said Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-25 Deputy Program Manager Mike Lauer. “We put the engine through a lot of different scenarios, and we are extremely pleased with the results.”

By the close of the series, operators were conducting weekly full-duration tests of the engine. Now, all eyes turn to the second certification series.

With completion of that campaign, it is anticipated that all systems will be “go” to produce engines for future Artemis missions to the Moon and, eventually, Mars.

Source: NASA.Gov

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NASA / Danny Nowlin

Another South American Nation Joins NASA's Moon Exploration Initiative...

NASA / Keegan Barber

NASA Welcomes Ecuador as 26th Artemis Accords Signatory (Press Release)

During a ceremony at the Ecuador embassy in Washington on Wednesday, Ecuador became the 26th country to sign the Artemis Accords. Karen Feldstein, NASA associate administrator for International and Interagency Relations, participated in the signing ceremony for the agency, and Gustavo Manrique Miranda, Ecuador’s foreign affairs minister, signed on behalf of Ecuador.

“Today, Ecuador joins the group of nations committed to safeguarding outer space for the future,” said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. “The achievements made in this golden era of exploration will benefit the Artemis Generation – in our nations and around the globe.”

The Artemis Accords establish a practical set of principles to guide space exploration cooperation among nations, including those participating in NASA’s Artemis program.

“Signing the Artemis Accords sends a powerful message to the international community that the Ecuadorian government is committed to pursue cutting-edge efforts in technology and is open to innovation, investment, workforce development to promote sustainable growth, and international collaboration to help solve humanity’s greatest challenges,” said Ivonne Baki, Ecuador's ambassador to the United States.

NASA, in coordination with the U.S. Department of State, established the Artemis Accords in 2020 together with seven other founding member nations.

The Artemis Accords reinforce and implement key obligations in the 1967 Outer Space Treaty. They also reinforce the commitment by the United States and signatory nations to the Registration Convention, the Rescue and Return Agreement, as well as best practices and norms of responsible behavior that NASA and its partners have supported, including the public release of scientific data.

“Ecuador today adds its voice to a diverse and growing set of nations committed to the notion that humanity’s rapid expansion into space, toward the Moon and destinations beyond, is peaceful, safe and in full accordance with international law,” said Feldstein.

Additional countries will sign the Artemis Accords in the months and years ahead, as NASA continues to work with its international partners to establish a safe, peaceful and prosperous future in space. Working with both new and existing partners will add new energy and capabilities to ensure the entire world can benefit from our journey of exploration and discovery.

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NASA / Frank Michaux

Journalists Will Be Offered a Sneak Peek at the Next Three Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicles Bound for the Moon...

NASA / Kim Shiflett

NASA Invites Media to View Orion Spacecraft for Next Artemis Missions (Press Release - June 16)

Media are invited to view NASA’s Orion spacecraft for upcoming Artemis missions at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida later this summer.

Engineers are in different phases of assembling and outfitting Orions for Artemis II through IV inside the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building at NASA Kennedy. Subject matter experts will be available for interviews.

A specific date for the event will be determined as engineers refine production schedules. Attendance for this event is open to U.S. and international media, and space is limited.

Media must apply by 5 p.m. EDT on Sunday, June 25, at:

https://media.ksc.nasa.gov

Credentialed media will receive a confirmation email upon approval. For questions about accreditation, please email ksc-media-accreditat@mail.nasa.gov.

For other questions, please contact Kennedy’s newsroom: 321-867-2468.

NASA is preparing to join the Orion crew and service modules in the coming months ahead of Artemis II, the first crewed mission under Artemis. Technicians are welding subsystem components of the Artemis III crew module throughout the summer.

The Artemis IV Orion crew module arrived at Kennedy in February for initial outfitting.

Through Artemis missions, NASA will use innovative technologies to explore more of the lunar surface than ever before and collaborate with commercial and international partners. Then, we will use what we learn on and around the Moon to take the next giant leap: sending the first astronauts to Mars.

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NASA / Frank Michaux

One More Hot Fire Remains for the Upgraded Engine That Will Fly on SLS, Beginning with Artemis 5...

NASA / Stennis

NASA Nears Completion of Key RS-25 Certification Test Series (News Release - June 15)

NASA completed its penultimate hot fire on June 15 in a key test series to certify production of new RS-25 engines for NASA’s SLS (Space Launch System) rocket that will help power future Artemis missions to the Moon and continue the agency’s efforts to explore the secrets of the Universe for the benefit of all.

More than 500 NASA Stennis, NASA Shared Services Center and NASA contractor employees and family members viewed the hot fire on the Fred Haise Test Stand at NASA’s Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, which marked the 11th in the 12-test series. The final test of the series is scheduled for June 22 and will set the stage for SLS engines lead contractor Aerojet Rocketdyne to manufacture new RS-25 engines for future deep space missions, beginning with Artemis V.

During the June 15 test, operators powered the RS-25 engine for more than eight minutes (500 seconds). The test duration is the same amount of time needed to help launch the SLS rocket and send astronauts aboard the Orion spacecraft into orbit.

Operators also tested the engine up to 113% power, exceeding the 111% level needed during launch and providing a margin of operational safety.

The SLS mega rocket is powered, in part, by four RS-25 engines, firing simultaneously to produce as much as 2 million pounds of combined thrust. NASA launched the maiden Artemis I mission last November and is working towards future Artemis missions to return humans, including the first woman and first person of color, to the Moon, with the crew of Artemis II set to begin training soon.

The agency will use the Artemis missions to establish a long-term presence on the Moon while preparing technologies and capabilities needed to send humans to Mars.

RS-25 tests at NASA Stennis are conducted by a diverse team of operators from NASA, Aerojet Rocketdyne and Syncom Space Services, prime contractor for site facilities and operations.

Source: NASA.Gov

Another Set of Solar Wings Has Been Deployed at the ISS...

NASA TV

NASA Spacewalkers Finish Installing Roll-Out Solar Array (News Release)

Expedition 69 Flight Engineers Woody Hoburg and Steve Bowen of NASA concluded their spacewalk at 2:17 p.m. EDT after 5 hours and 35 minutes.

Hoburg and Bowen completed their major objective to install an IROSA (International Space Station Roll-Out Solar Array) to augment power generation for the 1B power channel on the station’s starboard truss structure.

The new array is 60 feet long by 20 feet wide (18.2 meters by 6 meters) and is shading a little more than half of the original array, which is 112 feet long by 39 feet wide. Each new IROSA produces more than 20 kilowatts of electricity and together enable a 30% increase in power production over the station’s current arrays.

NASA and Boeing have a plan in place for a fourth set of roll-out arrays to further augment the International Space Station’s power supply. These arrays, which would be the seventh and eighth installed on space station, are targeted for delivery to the orbital outpost in 2025.

It was the 265th spacewalk in support of space station assembly, upgrades and maintenance. The spacewalk marked the second for Hoburg and tenth for Bowen, tying him for the most spacewalks by a U.S. astronaut along with Mike Lopez-Alegria, Bob Behnken, Peggy Whitson and Chris Cassidy.

Hoburg and Bowen are in the midst of a science mission living and working aboard the microgravity laboratory to advance scientific knowledge and demonstrate new technologies for future human and robotic exploration missions, including lunar missions through NASA’s Artemis program.

Source: NASA.Gov

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The roll-out solar array installed earlier today by @NASA_Astronauts Steve Bowen and @Astro_Woody unfolds as Earth glows in the background. When fully unrolled, it will span 60 feet long by 20 feet wide. Watch live... https://t.co/cBNqC5Ke07 pic.twitter.com/DRaNzqrqFw

— International Space Station (@Space_Station) June 15, 2023

A Unique Transmitter Will Soon Be Installed on Orion for Its First Crewed Flight into Space...

NASA

NASA Laser Communications Terminal Delivered for Artemis II Moon Mission (News Release)

The laser communications system for NASA’s Artemis II mission arrived at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida for integration with the Orion spacecraft, which will carry astronauts around the Moon for the first time since the Apollo missions.

On November 16, 2022, NASA launched the Artemis I mission, an uncrewed flight test that took the human-rated Orion spacecraft farther into space than any before. The next mission, Artemis II, will test all of Orion’s systems needed for crewed spaceflight and set the stage for future missions to the lunar surface.

The Artemis II mission will also test new and enhanced technologies including laser communication capabilities.

Orion’s laser communications terminal is known as the Orion Artemis II Optical Communications System, or O2O.

Laser communications systems, like O2O, provide missions with increased data rates, meaning they can send and receive more information in a single transmission compared to traditional radio wave systems, which most NASA missions use today. More data means more discoveries.

“At 260 megabits per second, O2O is capable of sending down 4K high-definition video from the Moon,” said Steve Horowitz, O2O project manager. “In addition to video and pictures, O2O will transmit and receive procedures, pictures, flight plans and be a link between Orion and mission control on Earth.”

After gathering data, O2O will send the information over laser signals to one of two ground stations in Las Cruces, New Mexico, or Table Mountain, California - both chosen for their minimal cloud coverage. The quality of images and videos sent from Orion through O2O will depend, in part, on the cloud coverage at the ground stations.

The O2O laser terminal is part of the Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) program’s optical infusion effort, which is demonstrating laser communications on multiple missions. O2O was developed by a team of engineers from NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Lincoln Laboratory (MIT-LL).

This partnership has successfully led to multiple laser communications missions, such as the 2013 Lunar Laser Communications Demonstration (LLCD), the 2021 Laser Communications Relay Demonstration (LCRD), and the 2022 TeraByte InfraRed Delivery (TBIRD) payload. By demonstrating this technology in multiple space regimes, SCaN is showcasing the benefits laser communications can have for missions.

Prior to its delivery to Kennedy, the O2O laser terminal went through several levels of environmental testing to ensure that the payload can operate in the harsh environment of space.

Laser communications terminals like O2O will allow more data to reach Earth and support scientists’ efforts to conduct advanced investigations. The data collected by Artemis II will inform NASA’s future lunar missions and help the agency establish a long-term presence on the Moon and, eventually, Mars.

Source: NASA.Gov

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NASA / Isaac Watson

Development Continues on the In-Space Propulsion Stage for the SLS Block 1B Rocket...

Michael DeMocker

NASA, Boeing Complete Barrel Sections for Future SLS Exploration (Photo Release - May 25)

These images and videos show technicians at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans examining and lifting midbody barrels for the Exploration Upper Stage (EUS) structural test article of the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket in May 2023.

The barrel sections make up the body, or main structure, of the future in-space propulsion stage for the mega rocket. The Exploration Upper Stage will be used on the second configuration of the SLS rocket, known as Block 1B, and will provide in-space propulsion to send astronauts in NASA’s Orion spacecraft and heavy cargo on a precise trajectory to the Moon.

Beginning with Artemis IV, EUS will replace the interim cryogenic propulsion stage for the Block 1 configuration of SLS. It has larger propellant tanks and four RL10 engines, enabling SLS to launch 40% more cargo to the Moon along with crew.

EUS flight hardware is in early production at Michoud. Crews with NASA and Boeing, the lead contractor for the SLS core stage and EUS, are also manufacturing the EUS structural test article.

The test hardware is structurally identical to the flight version and will be used during a series of strenuous testing that simulates the forces the rocket will experience during launch and flight and verify its structural integrity.

NASA is working to land the first woman and first person of color on the Moon under Artemis. SLS is part of NASA’s backbone for deep space exploration, along with Orion and the Gateway in orbit around the Moon.

SLS is the only rocket that can send Orion, astronauts and supplies to the Moon in a single mission.

Source: NASA.Gov

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Michael DeMocker


NASA / Eric Bordelon


Michael DeMocker

A video showing barrels that will comprise the structural test article for the SLS Exploration Upper Stage being processed at NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans last month...

📹: Eric Bordelon#Artemis #ArtemisIV pic.twitter.com/b5yiy3lr9J

— Rich Par (@AstroPnoy) June 13, 2023

A Flight Component for Artemis 4's SLS Block 1B Rocket Completes Fabrication in New Orleans...

NASA / Eric Bordelon

Technicians Lift, Prepare EUS Rocket Hardware for Next Phase of Production at NASA Michoud (Photo Release)

Technicians at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans lift a ring for the Exploration Upper Stage (EUS) of the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket to move it to another location in the 43-acre factory for further inspection and production. Flight hardware of the SLS EUS, a more powerful in-space propulsion stage beginning with Artemis IV, is in early production at Michoud.

The rings make up the barrel sections for the flight hardware. The Exploration Upper Stage will be used on the second configuration of the SLS rocket, known as Block 1B, and will provide in-space propulsion to send astronauts in NASA’s Orion spacecraft and heavy cargo on a precise trajectory to the Moon.

EUS will replace the interim cryogenic propulsion stage for the Block 1 configuration of SLS. It has larger propellant tanks and four RL10 engines, enabling SLS to launch 40% more cargo to the Moon along with crew.

NASA and Boeing, the SLS lead contractor for the core stage and EUS, are currently manufacturing stages for Artemis II, III, IV and V at the factory. NASA is working to land the first woman and first person of color on the Moon under Artemis.

SLS is part of NASA’s backbone for deep space exploration, along with Orion and the Gateway in orbit around the Moon. SLS is the only rocket that can send Orion, astronauts and supplies to the Moon in a single mission.

Source: NASA.Gov

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NASA / Michael DeMocker


NASA / Michael DeMocker

The ISS Has a New Set of Solar Wings...

NASA TV

NASA Spacewalkers Complete Solar Array Installation (News Release)

Expedition 69 Flight Engineers Steve Bowen and Woody Hoburg of NASA concluded their spacewalk at 3:28 p.m. EDT after 6 hours and 3 minutes.

Bowen and Hoburg completed all of their objectives to install an IROSA (International Space Station Roll-Out Solar Array) to augment power generation for the 1A power channel on the station’s starboard truss structure. The crew members also completed several get-ahead tasks setting the stage for the duo to go back outside on Thursday, June 15, to install the sixth in the series of IROSAs on the starboard 6 truss of the station for the 1B power channel.

The new arrays are 60 feet long by 20 feet wide (18.2 meters by 6 meters) and will shade a little more than half of the original arrays, which are 112 feet long by 39 feet wide. Each new IROSA will produce more than 20 kilowatts of electricity, and once all are installed, will enable a 30% increase in power production over the station’s current arrays.

It was the 264th spacewalk in support of space station assembly, upgrades and maintenance, and was the third spacewalk for both astronauts.

Bowen and Hoburg are in the midst of a science mission living and working aboard the microgravity laboratory to advance scientific knowledge and demonstrate new technologies for future human and robotic exploration missions, including lunar missions through NASA’s Artemis program.

Source: NASA.Gov

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This time-lapse video sped up 7.7 times shows the new roll-out solar array being deployed after @NASA spacewalkers Stephen Bowen and @Astro_Woody successfully installed it on the station today. https://t.co/yuOTrYNGst pic.twitter.com/flKo7HCS6A

— International Space Station (@Space_Station) June 9, 2023

Assembly Continues on the Artemis 4 Crew Module at Kennedy Space Center in Florida...

NASA / Frank Michaux

Orion IOZ Progress (Photo Release - May 26)

Inside the high bay of the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Lockheed Martin and NASA technicians work on the Orion crew module for the agency’s Artemis IV mission on May 26, 2023. Artemis IV will be the first operational mission to Gateway – an outpost in lunar orbit serving as a staging point for deep space exploration – followed by a week-long surface mission on the Moon.

Also sharing space in the high bay are the crew modules for Artemis II and Artemis III.

Source: NASA.Gov

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NASA / Frank Michaux

The First Crewed Flight of Orion Continues to Advance in Launch Preparations...

NASA / Amanda Stevenson

NASA’s Artemis II European Service Module is Making FAST Moves (News Release)

Teams are performing final checkouts of the Orion spacecraft’s service module before integrating the crew and service modules for Artemis II, the first Artemis mission with crew. In parallel, technicians from Airbus will conduct inspections of the solar array wings following the successful completion of service module acoustic testing in May, which ensured the service module can withstand the speed and vibration it will experience during launch and throughout the mission.

During the inspections, each of the four panels will be fully redeployed and reexamined. The crew module will also undergo acoustic testing ahead of joining with the service module.

Provided by ESA (European Space Agency), the service module is the powerhouse that will fuel, propel and provide in-space maneuvering capability, and is responsible for life support commodities such as water and breathable air for astronauts onboard Orion in support of future Artemis missions.

Source: NASA.Gov

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NASA / Amanda Stevenson

SpaceX's CRS-28 Freighter Has Reached the ISS...

NASA

Dragon Docks to Station, Delivers New Cargo and Solar Arrays (News Release)

While the International Space Station was traveling approximately 270 miles over the coast of Brazil, a SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft autonomously docked to the station’s Harmony module at 5:54 a.m. EDT, with NASA astronaut Woody Hoburg monitoring operations.

The SpaceX Dragon launched as part of the company’s 28th contracted commercial resupply services mission for NASA at 11:47 a.m. EDT on June 5, from Launch Complex 39A at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Dragon will spend about three weeks attached to the space station before it returns to Earth with cargo and research.

The SpaceX Dragon has delivered a pair of IROSAs (International Space Station Roll-Out Solar Arrays) that, once installed, will expand the energy-production capabilities of the microgravity complex.

Source: NASA.Gov

Another Uncrewed Dragon Is Headed to the ISS...

SpaceX

NASA, SpaceX Launch Solar Arrays, Cargo to Space Station (Press Release)

Following a successful launch of NASA’s SpaceX 28th commercial resupply services mission, two new solar arrays, science investigations and supplies are on their way to the International Space Station.

Carrying more than 7,000 pounds of cargo to the orbiting laboratory, the uncrewed SpaceX Dragon spacecraft launched on the company’s Falcon 9 rocket at 11:47 a.m. EDT on Monday, June 5, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Live coverage of arrival will begin at 4:15 a.m., Tuesday, June 6, on NASA Television, the agency’s website and the NASA app.

The cargo spacecraft is scheduled to autonomously dock with the space-facing port on the station’s Harmony module at approximately 5:50 a.m. and remain at the station for about 21 days.

The SpaceX Dragon will deliver a pair of IROSAs (International Space Station Roll-Out Solar Arrays) that, once installed, will expand the energy-production capabilities of the microgravity complex.

The spacecraft will also deliver the following:

Thunderstorm Watch

What Happens Above Thunderstorms (Thor-Davis), an investigation from ESA (European Space Agency), will observe thunderstorms from the space station. This vantage point will allow researchers to see the electrical activity from above, particularly the inception, frequency and altitude of recently discovered blue discharges.

Scientists plan to estimate the energy of these phenomena to determine their effect on the atmosphere. A better understanding of lightning and electrical activity in Earth’s atmosphere could improve atmospheric models and provide a better understanding of Earth’s climate and weather.

Helping Plants Chill in Space

Plants exposed to environmental stress, including spaceflight, undergo changes to adapt, but those changes may not be passed on to the next generation. Plant Habitat-03 (PH-03) will assess whether plants grown in space can transfer such adaptations to the next generation and, if so, whether a change continues through subsequent generations or stabilizes.

The investigation will create a second generation of plants using seeds previously produced in space and returned to Earth. Results could provide insight into how to grow multiple generations of plants to provide food and other services on future space missions.

This investigation could also support development of strategies for adapting crops and other economically-important plants to marginal and reclaimed habitats on Earth.

Testing a Telomere Technique

Telomeres, genetic structures that protect our chromosomes, shorten with age and wear. But research has shown that telomeres lengthen in space.

Genes in Spac e-10 will test a technique for measuring telomere length in microgravity, where methods typically employed on Earth are difficult to use due to gravity. The experiment will explore whether telomere lengthening in space is caused by proliferation of stem cells – undifferentiated cells that give rise to specific body components and that typically have long telomeres.

Understanding the mechanism behind telomere lengthening could reveal possible effects on astronaut health during long-duration missions. Results could also lay the groundwork for a variety of related research to benefit future space travel and people on the ground.

Genes in Space is a national contest for students in grades 7 through 12 to design biotechnology experiments for space. The program is sponsored by miniPCR, Math for America, Boeing, New England Biolabs Ltd. and the International Space Station National Laboratory.

Thawing Ice, Solar Storms and Attitude Recovery

Mission 26 for the station’s Nanoracks CubeSat Deployer (NRCSD) includes Educational Space Science and Engineering CubeSat Experiment Mission (ESSENCE), sponsored by the International Space Station National Laboratory and developed by universities in Canada and Australia. It carries a wide-angle camera to monitor thawing of ice and permafrost in the Canadian Arctic, which could provide a better understanding of the effects on Earth's climate and support better local infrastructure planning.

The satellite also carries a solar energetic proton detector to collect data on periods of solar activity that emit highly-energized radioactive protons that can damage the structure and electronic components of spacecraft. Understanding these effects could help make future CubeSats more resistant to radiation.

In addition, the investigation demonstrates a novel method to recover control of a satellite’s attitude, or orientation, if a control mechanism fails. ESSENCE is part of the Canadian CubeSat Project, led by CSA (Canadian Space Agency).

Watching Cosmic Weathering

Iris, sponsored by the International Space Station National Laboratory, observes weathering of geological samples exposed to direct solar and background cosmic radiation and determines whether changes are visually detectable. The investigation also demonstrates experimental sun sensors, torque rods (which provide attitude control and detumbling for satellites) and a battery heater.

A collaboration between graduate, undergraduate and middle school students in Canada, the project provides hands-on experience that promotes interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics studies and careers.

Results could also provide insight into weathering processes on planetary bodies and, when combined with data from asteroid-sampling missions, improve understanding of the origins of asteroids. Iris is part of the Canadian CubeSat Project, led by CSA.

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Dragon separation confirmed; autonomous docking with the @space_station on Tuesday, June 6 at ~5:50 a.m. ET pic.twitter.com/z0EHw0jzrS

— SpaceX (@SpaceX) June 5, 2023

The Next Privately-Built Cargo Vehicle for the ISS Has Been Powered On for the First Time...

Sierra Space

Sierra Space’s Dream Chaser® Spaceplane Comes to Life (Press Release - May 31)

Dream Chaser, the World’s First Commercial Spaceplane, Powers Up Achieving a Major Step Forward in Realizing the Vision of Sustainable Commercial Space Travel

LOUISVILLE, Colo. – Sierra Space, a leading, pureplay commercial space company building the first end-to-end business and technology platform in space, is thrilled to announce the successful power up of its revolutionary Dream Chaser® spaceplane.

Dream Chaser represents a groundbreaking leap in space transportation technology, designed to provide reliable and cost-effective access to space for a wide range of applications. With its unique lifting body design, the spaceplane combines the flexibility of an aircraft with the capabilities of a spacecraft, revolutionizing space travel.

The power-up of Dream Chaser signifies the activation of its integrated systems, showcasing the culmination of years of rigorous engineering, design and testing. Sierra Space simulated the power that will be generated from Dream Chaser’s solar arrays once on orbit.

Test engineers plugged that power into Dream Chaser and began turning on systems. Sierra Space exercised flight computers, base processors and low-voltage distribution units.

“This is a milestone that points to the future and is a key moment in a long journey for Dream Chaser,” said Tom Vice, CEO of Sierra Space. “With this significant achievement, our Dream Chaser spaceplane is poised to redefine commercial space travel, opening up new possibilities for scientific research, technological advancements and economic opportunities in space.”

The successful test was a key moment for the progress of space technology after years of design and development across Sierra Space, enabled by the accomplishments of many teams from system-level design to final assembly and test.

Dream Chaser is a reusable, fully autonomous, orbital spaceplane designed to transport cargo to low-Earth orbit (LEO) destinations such as the International Space Station (ISS) and land at conventional runways. Measuring about one-quarter the size of the Space Shuttle, it features autonomous launch, flight and landing capabilities with a smooth 1.5 low-G re-entry on compatible commercial runways worldwide.

Source: Sierra Space

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Attaching tiles to Dream Chaser, Tenacity, is a highly intricate process. Do you know why both black and white tiles are used? pic.twitter.com/radYY9zdg3

— Sierra Space (@SierraSpaceCo) May 26, 2023

NASA's Moon and Mars Exploration Initiative Has Received Its Second European Member in a Month...

NASA / Jackie McGuinness

NASA Welcomes Spain as 25th Artemis Accords Signatory (Press Release - May 30)

During a ceremony at the Moncloa Palace in Madrid on Tuesday, Spain became the 25th country to sign the Artemis Accords. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson participated in the signing ceremony for the agency, and Diana Morant, Spain’s science and innovation minister, signed on behalf of Spain.

Pedro Sánchez, President of Spain, Julissa Reynoso, the U.S. Ambassador to Spain and Andorra, and Karen Feldstein, NASA Associate Administrator for International and Interagency Relations, were also in attendance.

The Artemis Accords establish a practical set of principles to guide space exploration cooperation among nations, including those participating in NASA’s Artemis program.

“The United States and Spain’s partnership in space has been on display for decades, but today we bring it to new heights,” said Nelson. “As the newest member of the Artemis Accords family, Spain will safeguard our shared ideals by helping ensure that humanity’s rapid expansion into space is done peacefully, safely and transparently.”

“Space is an example of international collaboration and a priority for our country's vision,” said President Sánchez. “We are witnessing a commitment by the Government of Spain to a key sector that generates opportunities and high-quality employment, which is a priority and strategic area, essential to help and protect our society.”

NASA, in coordination with the U.S. Department of State, established the Artemis Accords in 2020 together with seven other founding member nations. The Artemis Accords reinforce and implement key obligations in the 1967 Outer Space Treaty.

They also reinforce the commitment by the United States and signatory nations to the Registration Convention, the Rescue and Return Agreement, as well as best practices and norms of responsible behavior that NASA and its partners have supported, including the public release of scientific data.

Additional countries will sign the Artemis Accords in the months and years ahead, as NASA continues to work with its international partners to establish a safe, peaceful and prosperous future in space. Working with both new and existing partners will add new energy and capabilities to ensure the entire world can benefit from our journey of exploration and discovery.

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Blue Origin

The First Crewed Flight of the CST-100 Will NOT Take Place Next Month as Planned...

NASA

Boeing Statement on Starliner CFT Status (News Release - June 1)

Boeing’s priority for Starliner’s Crew Flight Test is the safe launch, docking and return of Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams. For that reason, we have recommended to NASA that we reevaluate our launch window to allow for closing out the remaining technical and certification items.

We were notified by the parachute supplier of an issue, identified through testing, that reduced our safety margin. Our engineering team provided additional analysis and given that, we determined the safest course of action was to stand down for the July launch opportunity.

We are now determining when we will be ready to launch, but anticipate additional parachute testing. We are committed to the Starliner program and are working closely with NASA to identify a new launch date.

Source: StarlinerUpdates.com

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The first launch of astronauts on Boeing’s delay-prone Starliner spacecraft won’t happen in July after engineers recently discovered a problem with the spacecraft’s parachute system and identified flammable tape around wiring harnesses inside the vehicle. https://t.co/UgbYBzBVVh pic.twitter.com/KhJ9Iq7dEX

— Spaceflight Now (@SpaceflightNow) June 1, 2023

SLS Update: An Upgraded RS-25 Lights Up Successfully for the 9th Time at Stennis Space Center...

NASA / Stennis

NASA Enters Stretch in Critical Moon Rocket Engine Test Series (News Release)

NASA entered the stretch run of a key RS-25 certification engine test series with a successful hot fire on June 1, continuing to set the stage for future Artemis missions to the Moon.

The hot fire on the Fred Haise Test Stand at NASA’s Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, marked the ninth in a critical 12-test series. The remaining three tests are scheduled throughout June.

The series is designed to certify production of new RS-25 engines by lead contractor Aerojet Rocketdyne for future deep space missions, beginning with Artemis V.

Operators powered the RS-25 engine for more than eight minutes (500 seconds), the same amount of time needed to help launch the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket, carrying astronauts aboard the Orion spacecraft, into orbit. The engine was also fired up to 113% power, exceeding the 111% level needed during launch, to provide engineers with a margin of operational safety.

The SLS rocket is powered, in part, by four RS-25 engines, firing simultaneously to produce as much as 2 million pounds of combined thrust. NASA launched the maiden Artemis I mission last November and is working towards future Artemis missions to return humans, including the first woman and first person of color, to the Moon.

The agency will collaborate with commercial and international partners to build a long-term presence on the Moon as NASA prepares technologies and capabilities needed to send humans to Mars.

Source: NASA.Gov