Return to the Moon (September 2025) – Kosmonautix.cz
- This text details the ongoing development and assembly of the SLS rocket's central stage for the Artemis III mission, highlighting the urgency driven by potential Chinese lunar advancements.
- * China's Progress: There's growing concern that China may land on the moon before the US returns.
- * Michoud Assembly Facility: Work is actively underway on the central stage.
Summary of Artemis III & SLS Central Stage Progress (as of September 2025)
This text details the ongoing development and assembly of the SLS rocket’s central stage for the Artemis III mission, highlighting the urgency driven by potential Chinese lunar advancements. Here’s a breakdown:
Key Concerns & Timeline:
* China’s Progress: There’s growing concern that China may land on the moon before the US returns. Jared Isaacman acknowledged this possibility on September 3rd.
* Accelerated Pace: NASA is under pressure to accelerate the Artemis program to beat China to the moon. Sean Duffy emphasized the need for a faster pace.
* Artemis III Landing: Estimated to land on the moon approximately 1.5 years after the Artemis II mission (date unspecified).
SLS Central Stage Assembly – Current Status (September 2025):
* Michoud Assembly Facility: Work is actively underway on the central stage.
* Oxygen Tank:
* vertical integration cell installed in August.
* Tank flipped to horizontal position.
* Moved to Section 6 of Building 103 for internal mast and venting system installation.
* Intertank: Functional tests completed, soon to be inserted into the D-Integration Cell in Building 110.
* Hydrogen Tank: Completion expected in September in Sections 47/48 of Building 103, then moved to a vertical cell in Building 110 for connection to a motor section simulator.
* Front & Rear Assemblies: The goal is to connect the oxygen tank, intertank, and front hem (front assembly) by the end of 2025/early 2026. The hydrogen tank and motor section simulator will form the rear assembly.
* Full Stage Assembly & transport:
* Both assemblies will be connected horizontally in Building 103.
* The complete central stage will be transported to the Kennedy Space Center via the Pegasus boat.
* Target transport date: Spring 2026.
* VAB Integration:
* The flight motor section was already placed in the CSVIC integration cell in the VAB on August 13th.
* The central stage will be connected to the motor section in the VAB.
* Supply Chain Issues: Boeing is currently working to secure key parts for the hydraulic systems (tensile vector management and hydraulic recirculation pumps).
In essence, the text paints a picture of a complex, multi-stage assembly process happening concurrently across multiple facilities, with a heightened sense of urgency to maintain US leadership in space exploration.