{"id":616509,"date":"2024-02-16T14:07:09","date_gmt":"2024-02-16T19:07:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/?p=616509"},"modified":"2024-02-16T14:12:09","modified_gmt":"2024-02-16T19:12:09","slug":"rocket-propellant-tanks-for-nasas-artemis-iii-mission-take-shape","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/directorates\/esdmd\/common-exploration-systems-development-division\/space-launch-system\/rocket-propellant-tanks-for-nasas-artemis-iii-mission-take-shape\/","title":{"rendered":"Rocket Propellant Tanks for NASA\u2019s Artemis III Mission Take Shape"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-media hds-module wp-block-image\"><div class=\"margin-left-auto margin-right-auto nasa-block-align-inline\"><div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\"><figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-fit \"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/maf-20231114-cs3-lh2breakcelle02.jpg\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1366\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/maf-20231114-cs3-lh2breakcelle02.jpg?w=2048\" class=\"attachment-2048x2048 size-2048x2048\" alt=\"All the major structures that will form the core stage for NASA\u2019s SLS (Space Launch System) rocket for the agency\u2019s Artemis III mission are structurally complete. Technicians finished welding the 51-foot liquid oxygen tank structure, left, inside the Vertical Assembly Building at NASA\u2019s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans Jan. 8. The liquid hydrogen tank, right, completed internal cleaning Nov. 14.\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/maf-20231114-cs3-lh2breakcelle02.jpg 8192w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/maf-20231114-cs3-lh2breakcelle02.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/maf-20231114-cs3-lh2breakcelle02.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/maf-20231114-cs3-lh2breakcelle02.jpg?resize=1024,683 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/maf-20231114-cs3-lh2breakcelle02.jpg?resize=1536,1024 1536w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/maf-20231114-cs3-lh2breakcelle02.jpg?resize=2048,1366 2048w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/maf-20231114-cs3-lh2breakcelle02.jpg?resize=400,267 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/maf-20231114-cs3-lh2breakcelle02.jpg?resize=600,400 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/maf-20231114-cs3-lh2breakcelle02.jpg?resize=900,600 900w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/maf-20231114-cs3-lh2breakcelle02.jpg?resize=1200,800 1200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/maf-20231114-cs3-lh2breakcelle02.jpg?resize=2000,1333 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" loading=\"eager\" \/><\/a><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\"><div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">All the major structures that will form the core stage for NASA\u2019s SLS (Space Launch System) rocket for the agency\u2019s Artemis III mission are structurally complete. Technicians finished welding the 51-foot liquid oxygen tank structure, left, inside the Vertical Assembly Building at NASA\u2019s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans Jan. 8. The liquid hydrogen tank, right, completed internal cleaning Nov. 14. <\/div><div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA\/Michael DeMocker<\/div><\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p>As NASA works to develop all the systems needed to return astronauts to the Moon under its Artemis campaign for the benefit of all, the <a href=\"http:\/\/nasa.gov\/sls\" rel=\"noopener\">SLS (Space Launch System<\/a>) rocket will be responsible for launching astronauts on their journey. With the liquid oxygen tank now fully welded, all of the major structures that will form the core stage for the SLS rocket for the agency’s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/mission\/artemis-iii\/\">Artemis III<\/a> mission are ready for additional outfitting. The hardware will be a part of the rocket used for the first of the Artemis missions planning to land astronauts on the Moon\u2019s surface near the lunar South Pole. Technicians <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/reference\/space-launch-system-core-stage\/\">finished welding<\/a> the 51-foot liquid oxygen tank structure inside the Vertical Assembly Building at NASA\u2019s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans Jan. 8.<strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The mega rocket\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/image-detail\/core_stage_infographic_artemis\/\">other giant propellant tank<\/a> \u2013 the liquid hydrogen tank \u2013 is already one fully welded structure. NASA and Boeing, the SLS core stage lead contractor, are currently priming the tank  in another cell within the Vertical Assembly Building area called the Building 131 cryogenic tank thermal protection system and primer application complex. It completed internal cleaning Nov. 14.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Manufacturing hardware is a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/humans-in-space\/nasa-completes-core-stage-hardware-for-first-space-launch-system-flight\/\">multi-step process<\/a> that includes welding, washing, and, later, outfitting hardware.The internal cleaning process is similar to a shower to ensure contaminants do not find their way into the stage\u2019s complex propulsion and engine systems prior to priming. Once internal cleaning is complete, primer is applied to the external portions of the tank\u2019s barrel section and domes by an automated robotic tool. Following primer, technicians apply a foam-based <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/missions\/artemis\/orion\/foam-and-cork-insulation-protects-deep-space-rocket-from-fire-and-ice\/\">thermal protection system<\/a> to shield it from the extreme temperatures it will face during launch and flight while also regulating the super-chilled propellant within.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Propellant Tanks for Artemis III on the Move at Michoud\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/u4qugVqverc?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cNASA and its partners are processing major hardware elements at Michoud for several SLS rockets in parallel to support the agency\u2019s Artemis campaign,\u201d said Chad Bryant, acting manager of the Stages Office for NASA\u2019s SLS Program. \u201cWith the Artemis II core stage nearing completion, the major structural elements of the SLS core stage for Artemis III will advance through production on the factory floor.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The two massive propellant tanks for the rocket collectively hold more than 733,000 gallons of super-chilled propellant. The propellant powers the four RS-25 engines and must stay extremely cold to remain liquid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The core stage, along with the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/exploration\/systems\/sls\/multimedia\/rs-25-engine-infographic.html\">RS-25 engines<\/a>, will produce two million pounds of thrust to help launch NASA\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/general\/orion\/\">Orion spacecraft<\/a>, astronauts, and supplies beyond Earth\u2019s orbit and to the lunar surface for Artemis III. SLS is the only rocket that can send Orion, astronauts, and supplies to the Moon in a single launch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Through Artemis, NASA will send astronauts\u2014including the first woman, first person of color, and first international partner astronaut\u2014to explore the Moon for scientific discovery, economic benefits, and to build the foundation for crewed <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/humans-in-space\/destinations\/\">mission to Mars<\/a>. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/topics\/moon-to-mars\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a>SLS is part of NASA\u2019s backbone for deep space exploration, along with the Orion spacecraft, exploration ground systems, advanced spacesuits and rovers, Gateway, and human landing systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For more on SLS, visit:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/humans-in-space\/space-launch-system\/\">https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/humans-in-space\/space-launch-system\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>News Media Contact<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Corinne Beckinger<br>Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Ala.<br>256.544.0034<br><a href=\"mailto:corinne.m.beckinger@nasa.gov\">corinne.m.beckinger@nasa.gov<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As NASA works to develop all the systems needed to return astronauts to the Moon under its Artemis campaign for the benefit of all, the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket will be responsible for launching astronauts on their journey. With the liquid oxygen tank now fully welded, all of the major structures that will form [...]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":35,"featured_media":616576,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nasa_hds_core_meta_l10n":"en-US","nasa_hds_core_meta_article_editor":"","nasa_hds_core_meta_article_contacts":[],"nasa_hds_core_meta_article_topic":"","nasa_hds_core_meta_linked_locations":[],"nasa_hds_core_meta_article_related_articles":[],"hds_migrate_meta_pr_release_id":"","hds_migrate_meta_pr_release_type":"","nasa_hds_core_meta_location_x":"","nasa_hds_core_meta_location_y":"","nasa_hds_core_meta_gallery_images":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[3784,2681,2919,2656,2864,2865],"news-tags":[],"internal-terms":[3939,4983,11270,3919,3920,3942],"coauthors":[8391],"parsely":{"version":"1.1.0","meta":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","headline":"Rocket Propellant Tanks for NASA\u2019s Artemis III Mission Take Shape","url":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/directorates\/esdmd\/common-exploration-systems-development-division\/space-launch-system\/rocket-propellant-tanks-for-nasas-artemis-iii-mission-take-shape\/","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/directorates\/esdmd\/common-exploration-systems-development-division\/space-launch-system\/rocket-propellant-tanks-for-nasas-artemis-iii-mission-take-shape\/"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/maf-20231114-cs3-lh2breakcelle02.jpg?w=150&h=150&crop=1","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/maf-20231114-cs3-lh2breakcelle02.jpg"},"articleSection":"NASA Directorates","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Lee Mohon"}],"creator":["Lee Mohon"],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"NASA","logo":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/themes\/nasa\/assets\/images\/nasa-logo.svg"},"keywords":["NASA Centers & Facilities","Michoud Assembly Facility","Space Launch System (SLS)","Artemis","Artemis 3","Humans in Space","Marshall Space Flight Center"],"dateCreated":"2024-02-16T19:07:09Z","datePublished":"2024-02-16T19:07:09Z","dateModified":"2024-02-16T19:12:09Z"},"rendered":"<meta name=\"parsely-title\" content=\"Rocket Propellant Tanks for NASA\u2019s Artemis III Mission Take Shape\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-link\" content=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/directorates\/esdmd\/common-exploration-systems-development-division\/space-launch-system\/rocket-propellant-tanks-for-nasas-artemis-iii-mission-take-shape\/\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-type\" content=\"post\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-image-url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/maf-20231114-cs3-lh2breakcelle02.jpg?w=150&h=150&crop=1\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-pub-date\" content=\"2024-02-16T19:07:09Z\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-section\" content=\"NASA Directorates\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-tags\" content=\"NASA Centers & Facilities,Michoud Assembly Facility,Space Launch System (SLS),Artemis,Artemis 3,Humans in Space,Marshall Space Flight Center\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-author\" content=\"Lee Mohon\" \/>","tracker_url":"https:\/\/cdn.parsely.com\/keys\/nasa.gov\/p.js"},"read_time":3,"time_ago":"4 months","featured_image":{"id":616576,"file":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/maf-20231114-cs3-lh2breakcelle02.jpg","title":"maf-20231114-cs3-lh2breakcelle02","alt":"All the major structures that will form the core stage for NASA\u2019s SLS (Space Launch System) rocket for the agency\u2019s Artemis III mission are structurally complete. Technicians finished welding the 51-foot liquid oxygen tank structure, left, inside the Vertical Assembly Building at NASA\u2019s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans Jan. 8. The liquid hydrogen tank, right, completed internal cleaning Nov. 14.","caption":"All the major structures that will form the core stage for NASA\u2019s SLS (Space Launch System) rocket for the agency\u2019s Artemis III mission are structurally complete. Technicians finished welding the 51-foot liquid oxygen tank structure, left, inside the Vertical Assembly Building at NASA\u2019s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans Jan. 8. The liquid hydrogen tank, right, completed internal cleaning Nov. 14. 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