NASA integrated the Artemis II Orion stage adapter with the rest of the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket on Wednesday in the Vehicle Assembly Building at the
NASA Draws Closer to Artemis II Rocket Completion with Newest Addition NASA integrated the Artemis II Orion stage adapter with the rest of the SLS rocket on Wednesday in the Vehicle Assembly Building at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Built by NASA engineers at the agency’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, the adapter connects the rocket’s interim cryogenic propulsion stage to the Orion spacecraft. A composite diaphragm within the ring protects the Orion spacecraft from hazardous gases generated during launch. Four CubeSats containing science and technology experiments will be deployed from the adapter into high Earth orbit after Orion is a safe distance away . The 12U CubeSats aboard Artemis II were developed by international partners South Korea, Germany, Argentina, and Saudi Arabia. One “U”, or unit, is defined as 10 centimeters by 10 centimeters by 10 centimeters. NASA will integrate the Orion spacecraft with the rocket in the coming weeks ahead of the mission, scheduled for no later than April 2026. Testing and simulations in preparation for the upcoming launch taking place no later than April 2026. As the Artemis II rocket is nearing completion at NASA Kennedy, work continues on flight hardware for Artemis III. NASA Marshall engineers have flipped the Artemis III Orion stage adapter to begin bracket, avionics, and cable instillation. Later this fall, its diaphragm will be installed. Through Artemis, NASA will send astronauts to explore the Moon for scientific discovery, economic benefits, and build the foundation for the first crewed missions to Mars.September 30, 2025CategoriesArtemisArtemis 2Marshall Space Flight CenterOrion Multi-Purpose Crew VehicleSpace Launch System Also Featured InArtemis More from MissionsPrevious PostArtemis II Crew Members Name Their Orion SpacecraftSeptember 24, 2025
Artemis 2 Marshall Space Flight Center Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle Space Launch System (SLS)
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Best of Both Worlds: A Closer Look at This Week’s Chiefs RefereeBest of Both Worlds: A Closer Look at This Week’s Chiefs Referee
Read more »
US Department of Labor's 'Americans First' social media campaign draws criticism for depiction of workforceJessica Porter is a Denver7 Anchor and Reporter. You can watch her weekdays at 6 and 10 p.m.
Read more »
Joe Rogan warns liberals celebrating Charlie Kirk assassination brings US closer to 'civil war'Today's Video Headlines: 11/11/25
Read more »
Senate Passes Funding Bill, Bringing the Government Closer to ReopeningThe Senate approved a short-term funding bill, paving the way for the U.S. government to reopen. The House is set to vote on the bill, which addresses SNAP benefits, federal worker back pay, and air travel disruptions. The agreement comes after the government shutdown, and has many implications.
Read more »
Taiwan’s foreign minister says closer ties with Israel align with the island’s interestsTaiwan wants to deepen its ties with Israel despite criticism over the war in Gaza. Taiwan's foreign minister says Israel has shown support for Taiwan unmatched by other Middle Eastern countries. On Wednesday, he highlighted a declaration signed by 72 Israeli parliament members supporting Taiwan’s inclusion in international organizations.
Read more »
ESA ships Artemis 4 Orion service module to NASA after Trump tried to cancel itTereza is a London-based science and technology journalist, aspiring fiction writer and amateur gymnast. Originally from Prague, the Czech Republic, she spent the first seven years of her career working as a reporter, script-writer and presenter for various TV programmes of the Czech Public Service Television.
Read more »