The Left SRB Continues to be Stacked on the Mobile Launcher for the Next Flight of SLS...

NASA / Frank Michaux

Artemis III Booster Stacking Coverage (Photo Release)

Technicians integrate the left forward booster segment for NASA’s Artemis III SLS (Space Launch System) rocket onto the left booster segments atop the Mobile Launcher in High Bay 3 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida - on Thursday, September 17, 2026.

The SLS rocket’s twin boosters, each made up of five segments manufactured by Northrop Grumman in Utah, will provide more than 75 percent of the rocket’s total thrust at launch.

The Artemis III mission will launch crew in the Orion spacecraft on top of the SLS rocket to test rendezvous and docking capabilities between Orion and commercial spacecraft needed to land astronauts on the Moon.

Source: NASA.Gov

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NASA / Frank Michaux

Both SRBs Continue to be Stacked on the Mobile Launcher for the Next Flight of SLS...

NASA / Cory S Huston

Artemis III Right Forward Booster Installed (Photo Release)

In High Bay 3 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the left and right forward center boosters for Artemis III are integrated onto the booster segments on the Mobile Launcher for the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket - on Friday, September 11, 2026.

The twin boosters, comprising of five segments each manufactured by Northrop Grumman in Utah, will provide more than 75 percent of the SLS rocket’s total thrust at launch.

The Artemis III mission will launch crew in the Orion spacecraft on top of the SLS rocket to test rendezvous and docking capabilities between Orion and commercial spacecraft needed to land astronauts on the Moon.

Source: NASA.Gov

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NASA / Cory S Huston

Two Members of Orion's First Crewed Lunar Flight Have Moved to a New Stage in their Careers...

NASA / Kim Shiflett

NASA Names Two Artemis II Astronauts to Emeritus Program (News Release)

Following their landmark Artemis II mission earlier this year, distinguished NASA astronauts Victor Glover and Reid Wiseman are transitioning in September to emeritus status at the agency’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.

In an emeritus role, individuals with a high degree of technical and professional knowledge can continue to support the agency by donating their time to train and mentor the current workforce. This allows the agency to maintain access to top talent in a specialized consultant role, while simultaneously providing the individual with the flexibility to pursue other opportunities.

“I’ve had the privilege of knowing Reid and Victor for years, and both exemplify the leadership, character and commitment that define NASA at its best,” said NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman. “Reid commanded Artemis II after previously spending 165 days aboard the International Space Station, while Victor brought his experience as a naval aviator, test pilot, and Crew-1 astronaut to his role as pilot. Together, they took on one of the most challenging missions in human spaceflight and helped return America to the lunar environment.

"As Reid and Victor transition to emeritus status, I’m grateful they will continue sharing what they learned with our astronauts, flight controllers, and engineers as we prepare for Artemis III in 2027 and the missions that follow.”

Glover will support aerospace, leadership and public service efforts as he transitions within and outside of NASA. He’s committed to transferring his knowledge of Orion and its spacecraft systems, among other expertise, to future Artemis missions.

“As I grow into this new role, NASA and spaceflight remain a meaningful part of my journey of service,” said Glover. “I’m excited to keep uplifting my friends and cheering them on as they reach for the Moon. Together, we’ll keep pushing boundaries and inspiring the next giant leap.”

Wiseman is set to share his spaceflight experience with colleagues ahead of the agency’s Artemis III mission in low-Earth orbit to test rendezvous and docking capabilities between Orion and commercial human landing systems.

“There is no better place to work, and there are no better people to work with, than those in this agency,” said Wiseman. “NASA gave me tremendous responsibility, supported me through two space missions, and my time as chief astronaut, and was always there for my family when we needed it most. I’m thrilled to continue serving future missions and programs through the emeritus program.”

“Reid and Victor’s commitment to exploration, steady leadership, and service to our astronaut corps and our nation have made a lasting impact,” said Vanessa Wyche, director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. “Throughout their careers, they have each brought excellence, humility and purpose to every role they have held at NASA. Their contributions have helped advance our mission and inspire those around them, leaving a legacy that will continue to shape the future of human spaceflight. We are immeasurably grateful for all they have given to NASA and are glad that this is not the end of their journey with the agency.”

“Reid and Victor are trusted teammates whose professionalism, calm leadership, and unwavering commitment to NASA have strengthened our office and inspired everyone around them,” said Scott Tingle, chief of the Astronaut Office at Johnson. “As they transition into their emeritus roles, they leave a legacy of operational excellence that will continue shaping the astronaut corps for years to come. We’re grateful that they will still be part of our community, sharing their experience and insight as they begin this next chapter.”

Among their many accomplishments at NASA, as Artemis II crew members, Glover and Wiseman were two of the four astronauts to first launch on top of NASA’s SLS (Space Launch System) rocket aboard the Orion spacecraft for a mission around the Moon. Following a 10-day mission with crewmates NASA astronaut Christina Koch and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen, they safely splashed down on April 10 as the first humans to travel to lunar orbit in more than 50 years, ultimately flying farther in space than anyone had before.

Support and knowledge transfer from both Glover and Wiseman is critical for the upcoming Artemis III mission as NASA prepares to return American astronauts to the lunar surface on the Artemis IV mission in 2028.

Source: NASA.Gov

An SRB for the Next SLS Rocket Continues to Grow Taller...

NASA / Cory S Huston

Artemis III LFC Booster Segment Mated (Photo Release)

Technicians inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida complete integration of the left forward center solid rocket booster segment onto the left center center booster segment for the Artemis III SLS (Space Launch System) rocket on the Mobile Launcher inside High Bay 3 - on Tuesday, September 1, 2026.

The twin boosters, comprising of five segments each and manufactured by Northrop Grumman in Utah, provide more than 75 percent of the SLS rocket’s total thrust at liftoff.

The Artemis III mission will launch crew in the Orion spacecraft on top of the SLS rocket to test rendezvous and docking capabilities between Orion and commercial spacecraft needed to land astronauts on the Moon.

Source: NASA.Gov

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NASA / Cory S Huston

The Third SLS Core Stage Booster Has Reached a Big Milestone...

NASA / Clayton Rougelot

Artemis III RS-25 Engine Processing: #4 Lift (Photo Release)

Technicians complete installation of all four RS-25 SLS (Space Launch System) rocket engines on the work stand for integration with the Artemis III core stage rocket on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

During Artemis III, the four RS-25 engines will launch SLS, the Orion spacecraft and its crew of four into low-Earth orbit, generating more than two million pounds of thrust at liftoff.

Source: NASA.Gov

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NASA / Clayton Rougelot

Both SRBs Continue to be Stacked on the Mobile Launcher for the Next Flight of SLS...

NASA / Kim Shiflett

Artemis III Booster Stacking (Photo Release - August 28)

Technicians inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida complete integration of the left and right center center solid rocket booster segment onto the left and right aft center booster segment for the Artemis III SLS (Space Launch System) rocket on the Mobile Launcher inside High Bay 3 - on Friday, August 28, 2026.

The twin boosters, comprising of five segments each manufactured by Northrop Grumman in Utah, will provide more than 75 percent of the SLS rocket’s total thrust at launch.

The Artemis III mission will launch crew in the Orion spacecraft on top of the SLS rocket to test rendezvous and docking capabilities between Orion and commercial spacecraft needed to land astronauts on the Moon.

Source: NASA.Gov

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NASA / Kim Shiflett

Another Update on the Third SLS Core Stage Booster...

NASA / Kim Shiflett

Artemis III RS-25 Engines Installed (Photo Release)

Technicians install three of four RS-25 SLS (Space Launch System) rocket engines on the work stand for integration with the Artemis III core stage rocket on Friday, August 28, 2026, inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

During Artemis III, the four RS-25 engines will launch the Orion spacecraft and its crew of four into low-Earth orbit, generating more than two million pounds of thrust at liftoff.

Source: NASA.Gov

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NASA / Kim Shiflett

The Latest Update on the Third SLS Core Stage Booster...

NASA / Clayton Rougelot

Artemis III RS-25 Engine Processing: #3 Lift (Photo Release)

The first of four RS-25 SLS (Space Launch System) rocket engines is installed on the work stand and integrated with the Artemis III core stage rocket on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

During Artemis III, the four RS‑25 engines will launch the Orion spacecraft and its crew of four into low-Earth orbit, generating more than two million pounds of thrust at liftoff.

Source: NASA.Gov

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NASA / Clayton Rougelot


NASA / Clayton Rougelot


NASA / Clayton Rougelot


NASA / Clayton Rougelot


NASA / Clayton Rougelot

Assembly Has Begun on the Sixth Space Launch System!

Michael DeMocker

Production Begins on Artemis VI Core Stage Hardware (Photo Release)

Teams at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans continue to make progress manufacturing core stages for the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket. In August, teams with NASA and Boeing, SLS core stage prime contractor, completed the first ring for the sixth SLS core stage. The core stage rings are welded together through a friction-stir welding process.

A completed ring is 27.6 feet in diameter and serves as a connection point to join the large core stage structures together. The rings also provide structural stability to the bottom of the domes.

The 212-foot-tall SLS rocket core stage is made up of 10 major barrel sections, four dome sections, and seven rings. The components come together to form the five major sections of the core stage – the engine section, liquid hydrogen tank, intertank, liquid oxygen tank, and forward skirt.

Source: NASA.Gov

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Michael DeMocker

Assembly of the Twin SRBs for the Next SLS Rocket Moves Closer to Completion...

NASA / Cory Huston

Artemis III Nose Cone Arrival (Photo Release)

The left, with black stripe, and right aerodynamic forward assemblies for the twin SLS (Space Launch System) solid rocket boosters for Artemis III arrive at the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida - on Thursday, August 13, 2026.

The nose cones will be integrated atop the SLS boosters to provide a smooth, pointed shape that allows the boosters to cut through the atmosphere efficiently, reducing drag and keeping the rocket stable during ascent.

Artemis III will carry out a series of objectives in low-Earth orbit designed to demonstrate critical systems needed for future lunar landings, beginning with Artemis IV. 

Source: NASA.Gov

Both SRBs Continue to be Stacked on the Mobile Launcher for the Next Flight of SLS...

NASA / Cory S Huston

Assembly of the Artemis III SLS rocket RAC (Photo Release)

In High Bay 3 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the left and right aft center booster segments for Artemis III are lowered onto their aft assembly segments for integration on the Mobile Launcher for the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket on Wednesday, August 12, 2026.

The twin boosters, comprising of five segments each manufactured by Northrop Grumman in Utah, will provide more than 75 percent of the SLS rocket’s total thrust at launch.

The Artemis III mission will launch crew in the Orion spacecraft on top of the SLS rocket to test rendezvous and docking capabilities between Orion and commercial spacecraft needed to land astronauts on the Moon.

Source: NASA.Gov

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NASA / Cory S Huston

The Latest Update on the Fifth Space Launch System...

Morgan Parker

Artemis V Engine Section Barrel Enters Vertical Assembly Center (Photo Release)

Teams at Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans load the 25-foot-long engine section barrel into the vertical assembly center on August 5, 2026. The engine section will be used on the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket’s core stage for the agency’s Artemis V mission. On the vertical assembly center tooling, teams will mate the flight hardware to a ring, which will serve as an attachment point for the liquid hydrogen tank later in the production process.

The engine section is one of five major elements that make up the 212-foot-tall SLS rocket stage; and houses various avionic systems, the engine thrust structure, and four RS-25 engines. The core stage produces more than two million pounds of thrust to help launch NASA’s Orion spacecraft, astronauts and supplies beyond Earth’s orbit and to the lunar surface for Artemis.

Source: NASA.Gov

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Morgan Parker

Another Update on the Third SLS Core Stage Booster...

NASA / Sam Lott

NASA Technicians Weld Final Panel for New SLS Hardware (Photo Release)

These images show the spacer that will be used on NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) for the Artemis III mission.

At NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, technicians complete the eighth and final friction stir weld on the barrel section. With the barrel now removed from the Vertical Weld Tool, inspections are underway.

The next major milestone will be the installation of the top and bottom rings.

The spacer will take the place of the interim cryogenic propulsion stage (ICPS) on Artemis III, with the ICPS reassigned for use on the Artemis IV mission.

Source: NASA.Gov

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NASA / Sam Lott

The Latest Update on the Third SLS Core Stage Booster...

NASA / Ben Smegelsky

Artemis III RS-25 Engine Processing (Photo Release)

All four RS-25 SLS (Space Launch System) rocket engines - built by L3 Harris Technologies - were delivered to NASA’s Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy Space Center in Florida for the Artemis III mission, on Tuesday, July 21, 2026.

The engines arrived from NASA’s Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi and will be installed in the SLS rocket's core stage for integration atop the Mobile Launcher.

During Artemis III the engines will propel the Orion spacecraft, carrying four astronauts, into low-Earth orbit - providing over two million pounds of thrust at liftoff.

Source: NASA.Gov

The Latest Update on the Third SLS Core Stage Booster...

NASA

Artemis III RS-25 Engine Processing at KSC (Photo Release)

Teams at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida offload the third of four RS-25 SLS (Space Launch System) rocket engines built by L3 Harris Technologies for the agency's Artemis III mission on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, inside the spaceport’s Vehicle Assembly Building.

The SLS rocket will use four RS-25 engines in the core stage to propel the Orion spacecraft into orbit providing over two million pounds of thrust at liftoff.

As part of the Golden Age of innovation and exploration, NASA will send Artemis astronauts on increasingly difficult missions to explore more of the Moon for scientific discovery and economic benefits, establish an enduring human presence on the lunar surface, and build on our foundation for the first crewed missions to Mars.

Source: NASA.Gov

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NASA

Both SLS SRBs Are Ready to be Fully Assembled on the Mobile Launcher...

NASA / Frank Michaux

Artemis III Booster Stacking Coverage (Photo Release)

The left-hand and right-hand aft assembly solid rocket booster segments for NASA’s Artemis III SLS (Space Launch System) rocket are secured to the Mobile Launcher at the agency’s Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida - on Saturday, July 11, 2026.

The twin boosters, manufactured by Northrop Grumman in Utah, will provide more than 75 percent of the SLS rocket’s total thrust at launch.

The Artemis III mission will launch astronauts in the Orion spacecraft on top of the SLS rocket to test rendezvous and docking capabilities between Orion and commercial spacecraft needed to land astronauts on the Moon.

Source: NASA.Gov

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NASA / Frank Michaux

The Latest Update on the Fourth SLS Core Stage Booster...

NASA / Eric Bordelon & Michael DeMocker

Artemis IV Liquid Hydrogen Tank Completes Proof Testing (Photo Release)

Crews at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans transport the 130-foot-tall liquid hydrogen tank from the proof testing building to the main factory on July 10. The liquid hydrogen tank will form part of the core stage for the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket for the agency’s Artemis IV mission, providing thousands of gallons of super-cold propellant to the rocket engines during launch. Soon, teams with SLS prime contractor, Boeing, will move the tank into the facility’s vertical assembly building for cleaning operations.

The liquid hydrogen propellant tank is one of five major elements that make up the 212-foot-tall SLS rocket stage. The core stage, along with its four RS-25 engines at its base, produce more than two million pounds of thrust to help launch NASA’s Orion spacecraft, astronauts, and supplies beyond Earth’s orbit and to the lunar surface for Artemis.

Source: NASA.Gov

The Third SLS Rocket Has Begun Taking Shape at KSC!

NASA / Ben Smegelsky

Artemis III Booster Stacking Coverage - LH Aft Assembly (Photo Release)

Teams with NASA’s Exploration Ground Systems lowered and secured the left-hand aft assembly solid rocket booster segment for NASA’s Artemis III SLS (Space Launch System) rocket to the Mobile Launcher at the agency’s Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Thursday, July 9, 2026.

The twin boosters, manufactured by Northrop Grumman in Utah, will provide more than 75 percent of the SLS rocket’s total thrust at launch.

The Artemis III mission will launch crew in the Orion spacecraft on top of the SLS rocket to test rendezvous and docking capabilities between Orion and commercial spacecraft needed to land astronauts on the Moon.

Source: NASA.Gov

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NASA / Ben Smegelsky

Nation #68 Has Joined NASA's Moon Exploration Initiative...

NASA

NASA Welcomes Botswana as 68th Artemis Accords Signatory (News Release)

The Republic of Botswana signed the Artemis Accords on Thursday during a ceremony hosted by NASA at the agency’s headquarters in Washington, becoming the sixth African nation to join a growing community of nations committed to the peaceful, transparent and responsible exploration of space.

“It is my privilege to welcome Botswana as the newest signatory of the Artemis Accords,” said NASA Deputy Administrator Matt Anderson. “Today marks an important milestone in our international partnership and in the continued growth of the Artemis community. Botswana joins at an important moment. Earlier this month, we announced the crew of Artemis III and, as we speak, their spacecraft is being assembled as they prepare to play their part in mankind’s greatest adventure.”

Botswana’s Minister of Communications and Innovation David Tshere signed on behalf of the country. U.S. Department of State Senior Advisor for Space Gregory Autry, and Mabedi Ngwenya, acting ambassador of the Republic of Botswana to the United States, also participated in the ceremony.

“Botswana like many countries, we have interest in space exploration, found it important to become a signatory to the Artemis Accords to promote the safe, transparent and sustainable civil space exploration, and to advance international cooperation, and a shared framework for responsible activities in the space,” said Tshere.

This new chapter builds on Botswana’s long history of collaboration with the United States in space-based Earth observation. In the early 1970s, Botswana participated in the satellite program later known as Landsat, joining dozens of other nations in pioneering satellite-based environmental observation. Botswana marked another milestone with the launch of its first Earth observation satellite, Botswana Satellite 1, in March 2025, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9.

In 2020, the United States, led by NASA and the State Department, joined with seven other founding nations to establish the Artemis Accords, responding to the growing interest in lunar activities by both governments and private companies. The Artemis Accords introduced the first set of practical principles aimed at enhancing the safety and coordination between like-minded nations as they explore the Moon, Mars and beyond.

Signing the Artemis Accords means committing to explore peaceably and transparently, to render aid to those in need, to enable access to scientific data that all of humanity can learn from, to ensure that activities do not interfere with those of others, and to preserve historically significant sites and artifacts by developing best practices for space exploration for the benefit of all.

More countries are expected to sign the Artemis Accords in the months and years ahead, as NASA continues its work to establish a safe, peaceful and prosperous future in space.

Source: NASA.Gov

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NASA / Glenn Benson

Another Update on the Third SLS Core Stage Booster...

NASA

Artemis III RS-25 Engine Processing at KSC (Photo Release)

Teams at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida offload the second of four RS-25 SLS (Space Launch System) rocket engines built by L3 Harris Technologies for the agency's Artemis III mission on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, inside the spaceport’s Vehicle Assembly Building.

The SLS rocket will use four RS-25 engines in the core stage to propel the Orion spacecraft into orbit providing over two million pounds of thrust at liftoff.

As part of the Golden Age of innovation and exploration, NASA will send Artemis astronauts on increasingly difficult missions to explore more of the Moon for scientific discovery and economic benefits, establish an enduring human presence on the lunar surface, and build on our foundation for the first crewed missions to Mars.

Source: NASA.Gov