Space Launch System Powers Historic Lunar Mission
On Nov. 16, the Space Launch System (SLS) and Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage successfully propelled the Orion spacecraft on its first voyage around the Moon. The Artemis I mission lifted off at 1:47 a.m. Eastern time from Launch Complex 39B at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Eight and a half minutes into flight, the Boeing-built core stage completed its mission and separated from the Boeing-United Launch Alliance-made upper stage. The SLS core stage demonstrated several important functions, including fueling both tanks, actuating the hydraulic system, igniting the engines, running thrust vector control programs in flight, depleting the fuel tanks, shutting down the engines, and conducting successful separation and disposal maneuvers.
Through Artemis missions, NASA will land the first woman and the first person of color on the Moon, paving the way for a long-term lunar presence and serving as a steppingstone to send astronauts to Mars.
To learn more about the tech and team behind the SLS visit the Artemis I mission website.
