Press Kit

www.nasa.gov | #Artemis

ARTEMIS I

National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Mission Overview 3

Major Mission Milestones 8

Mission Objectives 10

Countdown Timeline 12

Ascent and Mission Timeline 15

Weather Criteria 17

What’s On Board 20

Deep Space Exploration System 23

Space Communications and Navigation 25

Flight Facilities 27

Mission Personnel & Management 28

Lead Contractors and Suppliers 32

Contacts 35

Additional Multimedia Materials 39

Table of Contents

Section Page Number
Artemis I Press Kit Back to Table of Contents 3

Artemis I is the first integrated test of NASA’s deep space exploration systems: the Orion spacecraft, Space Launch 

System (SLS) rocket and the ground systems at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The first in a series 

of increasingly complex missions, Artemis I is an uncrewed flight test that will provide a foundation for human deep 

space exploration and demonstrate our commitment and capability to return humans to the Moon and extend beyond.

During this flight, Orion will launch atop the most powerful rocket in the world and fly farther than any spacecraft 

built for humans has ever flown. Over the course of the mission, it will travel 280,000 miles (450,000 kilometers) from 

Earth and 40,000 miles (64,000 kilometers) beyond the far side of the Moon. Orion will stay in space longer than 

any human spacecraft has without docking to a space station and return home faster and hotter than ever before.

This first Artemis mission will demonstrate the performance of both Orion and the SLS rocket and test our capabilities 

to orbit the Moon and return to Earth. The flight will pave the way for future missions to the lunar vicinity, including 

landing the first woman and first person of color on the surface of the Moon. 

With Artemis I, NASA sets the stage for human exploration into deep space, where astronauts will build and begin 

testing the systems near the Moon needed for lunar surface missions and exploration to other destinations farther 

from Earth, including Mars. With Artemis, NASA will collaborate with industry and international partners to establish 

long-term exploration for the first time.

Launch Site: Launch Pad 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida 

Launch Date: Nov. 16, 2022

Launch Time: 1:47 a.m. EST

Mission Duration: 25 days, 10 hours, 53 minutes

Destination: Distant retrograde orbit around the Moon

Total Mission Miles: Approximately 1.4 million miles (2.3 million kilometers)

Targeted Splashdown Site: Pacific Ocean, off the coast of San Diego 

Return Speed: Up to 25,000 mph (40,000 kph)

Splashdown: Dec. 11, 2022

Mission Overview
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Launch

SLS and Orion will blast off from Launch Pad 39B at NASA’s modernized spaceport at Kennedy. Propelled by a pair 

of five-segment boosters and four RS-25 engines, the rocket will reach the period of greatest atmospheric force 

within 90 seconds. The solid rocket boosters will burn through their propellant and separate after approximately two 

minutes, and the core stage and RS-25s will deplete propellant after approximately eight minutes. After jettisoning 

the boosters, service module panels, and launch abort system, the core stage engines will shut down and the core 

stage will separate from the spacecraft, leaving Orion attached to the interim cryogenic propulsion stage (ICPS) that 

will propel it toward the Moon.

As the spacecraft makes an orbit of Earth and deploys its solar arrays, the ICPS will give Orion the big push it needs 

to leave Earth’s orbit and travel toward the Moon. This maneuver, known as the trans-lunar injection, precisely 

targets a point about the Moon that will guide Orion close enough to be captured by the Moon’s gravity. 
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In Space

Orion will separate from the ICPS approximately two hours after launch. The ICPS will then deploy ten small 

satellites, known as CubeSats, along the way to study the Moon or head father out to deep space destinations. 

As Orion continues on its path from Earth orbit to the Moon, it will be propelled by a service module provided by 

ESA (European Space Agency) that will course-correct as needed along the way. The service module supplies the 

spacecraft’s main propulsion system and power. 

The outbound trip to the Moon will take several days, during which time engineers will evaluate the spacecraft’s 

systems. Orion will fly about 60 miles (97 kilometers) above the surface of the Moon at its closest approach, and 

then use the Moon’s gravitational force to propel Orion into a distant retrograde orbit, traveling about 40,000 miles 

(64,000 kilometers) past the Moon. This distance is 30,000 miles (48,000 kilometers) farther than the previous record 

set during Apollo 13 and the farthest in space any spacecraft built for humans has flown.

For its return trip to Earth, Orion will get another gravity assist from the Moon as it does a second close flyby, firing 

engines at precisely the right time to harness the Moon’s gravity and accelerate back toward Earth, setting itself on 

a trajectory to re-enter our planet’s atmosphere.
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Landing

The mission will end with a test of Orion’s capability to return safely to Earth. Orion will enter Earth’s atmosphere 

traveling at about 25,000 mph (40,000 kph). Earth’s atmosphere will slow the spacecraft down to a speed of about 

300 mph (480 kph), producing temperatures of approximately 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit (2,800 degrees Celsius) and 

testing the heat shield’s performance.

Once the spacecraft has passed this extreme heating phase of flight, the forward bay cover that protects its 

parachutes will be jettisoned. Orion’s two drogue parachutes deploy first, at 25,000 feet (7,600 meters), and within 

a minute slow Orion to about 100 mph (160 kph) before being released. They are followed by three pilot parachutes 

that pull out the three main parachutes which will slow Orion’s descent to less than 20 mph (32 kph). The spacecraft 

will make a precise landing within eyesight of the recovery ship off the coast of San Diego. 
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Recovery Operations

The Landing and Recovery Team, led by NASA’s Exploration Ground Systems program at Kennedy, will be 

responsible for safely recovering the capsule after splashdown. The interagency landing and recovery team consists 

of personnel and assets from the U.S. Department of Defense, including Navy amphibious specialists and Air 

Force weather specialists, and engineers and technicians from Kennedy, Johnson Space Center in Houston, and 

Lockheed Martin Space Operations. 

Before splashdown, the team will head out to sea in a Navy ship. At the direction of the NASA Recovery Director, 

Navy divers and other team members in several inflatable boats will be cleared to approach Orion. Divers will then 

attach a cable to the spacecraft and pull it by winch into a specially designed cradle inside the ship’s well deck. 

The vessel will transport the spacecraft and other hardware to a pier at U.S. Naval Base San Diego for transport to 

Kennedy.

Open water personnel will also work to recover Orion’s forward bay cover and three main parachutes. If teams 

are able to recover the jettisoned cover and parachutes, engineers will inspect the hardware and gather additional 

performance data. 
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Major Mission Milestones

Disposal of each of the major hardware elements follows a specific flight maneuver after launch with a carefully 

choreographed trajectory. Recovery systems have been omitted from SLS elements to launch heavier payloads, 

reduce operational costs, and power missions to the Moon and beyond that require maximum performance. 

• The two solid rocket booters will fall into the Atlantic Ocean about 140 miles (225 km) off the Florida coast, north of 

the Bahamas.

• The core stage and launch vehicle stage adapter will fall into the Pacific Ocean east of Hawaii, west of Baja, California. 

• After separating from NASA’s Orion spacecraft, the Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage will enter an orbit around 

the Sun.

• Near the end of the mission, Orion’s European Service Module will separate from the crew module prior to entering 

Earth’s atmosphere and burn up on re-entry over the Pacific Ocean.

The Artemis I trajectory is designed to ensure any remaining parts do not pose a hazard to land, people, or shipping lanes.
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Perigee Raise Maneuver – ICPS burn to raise Orion’s altitude at the point in the orbit where the 

spacecraft is nearest the Earth, known as its perigee, to ensure the spacecraft does not reenter the 

Earth’s atmosphere

Trans-lunar Injection Burn – ICPS burn to increase Orion’s speed from 17,500 mph to 22,600 mph 

to escape the pull of Earth’s gravity for a precise trajectory to the Moon

Outbound Powered Fly-by Burn – service module burn to send Orion close enough to the lunar 

surface to leverage the Moon’s gravitational force and direct the spacecraft toward entry into a lunar 

distant retrograde orbit

Distant Retrograde Orbit Entry Burn – service module burn to enter lunar orbit and stabilize the 

spacecraft in the distant retrograde orbit

Distant Retrograde Orbit Exit Burn – service module burn to exit lunar orbit and direct Orion to a 

second close lunar flyby

Return Powered Fly-by Burn – service module burn to send Orion close enough to the lunar surface for a gravity assist from the Moon to slingshot Orion on a trajectory back to intercept the Earth’s 

atmosphere in preparation for reentry

Entry and splashdown – the service module will separate from Orion just before re-entry, and the 

reaction control system engines will orient the crew module’s heatshield into the direction of travel to 

prepare for peak heating followed by a parachute assisted splashdown in the ocean

Passes Apollo 13 distance record – 248,654 miles (400,170 kilometers)

Max distance from Earth – approximately 280,000 miles (450,000 kilometers)
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The primary objectives of the Artemis I flight test are to demonstrate the Orion heat shield at lunar return re-entry 

conditions, demonstrate operations and facilities during all mission phases, and retrieve the spacecraft after splashdown. 

In the course of completing these goals, the team aims to successfully demonstrate the SLS rocket’s capability, carry 

out the mission as planned, and ensure a safe return prior to the first flight with crew on Artemis II. Additional secondary 

objectives will be accomplished as possible throughout the mission that may support future development or mission 

planning efforts. These objectives will enable NASA to evaluate the performance of Orion, SLS, and the supporting 

ground systems for certification of the respective systems that will support future crewed missions.

Mission Objectives

1. Demonstrate Orion’s heat shield can withstand the high speed and high heat 

conditions when returning through Earth’s atmosphere from lunar velocities

When Orion returns from the Moon, it will be traveling nearly 25,000 mph (40,000 kph) and experience temperatures 

up to 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit (2,800 degrees Celsius) as it enters Earth’s atmosphere, much faster and hotter than 

a return from low-Earth orbit. While the heat shield has undergone extensive testing on Earth and was demonstrated 

on Exploration Flight Test-1 in 2014, no aerodynamic or aerothermal test facility can recreate the conditions the heat 

shield will experience returning at lunar return speeds. Validating heat shield performance is required before crews 

fly in Orion. 

2. Demonstrate operations and facilities during all mission phases

From launch countdown through recovery of Orion from the Pacific Ocean at the end of its mission, Artemis I 

provides an opportunity to test many aspects of NASA’s launch facilities and ground-based infrastructure, SLS 

operations including separation events during ascent, Orion operations in space, and recovery procedures. During 

the flight, engineers will verify systems such as the spacecraft’s communications, propulsion, and navigation 
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systems. Operating Orion in space will give engineers further confidence the spacecraft can tolerate the extreme 

thermal environment of deep space and successfully pass through the Van Allen Radiation Belt, that Orion’s main 

engine and solar array wings work as designed, and the flight operations teams can successfully manage and 

execute the mission, as well as demonstrate the performance of support systems for NASA facilities needed during 

the flight. 

3. Retrieve Orion after splashdown

While engineers will receive data throughout the flight, retrieving the crew module after splashdown will provide 

information to engineers to inform future missions. Once returned to Kennedy after the mission, technicians will 

conduct detailed inspections of Orion, retrieve data recorded on board during the flight, reuse components such 

as avionics systems, and retrieve information from payloads. It will also allow NASA to demonstrate its recovery 

techniques and procedures, which are critical to the safe return of future crews.

4. Accomplish additional flight test objectives

A number of additional objectives will demonstrate other capabilities and aspects of the rocket, spacecraft, integrated 

systems, and recovery plans. Some of these flight test objectives include certifying Orion’s optical navigation system, 

deploying the 10 CubeSats riding inside the Orion stage adapter, operating the technology and biology payloads 

onboard Orion, and collecting imagery throughout the mission.
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These key events will take place during the countdown.

L-47 hours 40 minutes and counting

• The launch team arrives on their stations and the countdown begins (L-47, 40 minutes hours) 

• The countdown clock begins (L-47H10M)

• Fill the water tank for the sound suppression system (L-47H – L-42H) 

• Liquid Oxygen (LOX)/Liquid Hydrogen (LH2) system preparations for vehicle loading (L-47H – 

L-38H)

• The Orion spacecraft is powered up if not already powered at call to stations (L-43H – L-41H30M) 

• The interim cryogenic propulsion stage (ICPS) is powered-up (L-39H30M – L-36H30M)

• The core stage is powered up (L-38H – L-37H20M)

• Final preparations of the four RS-25 engines (L-37H20M – L-32H)

L-32 hours and counting

• Core stage composite overwrapped pressure vessel (COPV) Pressurization to Flight Pressure 

(L-32H – L-23H) 

• The ICPS is powered down (L-31H – L-30H30M)

• Charge Orion flight batteries to 100% (L-31H – L-27H)

• Charge core stage flight batteries (L-28H – L-22H)

• The ICPS is powered-up for launch (L-19H30M – L-16H30M))

L-15 hours and counting

• All non-essential personnel leave Launch Complex 39B (L-13H – L-11H)

• Ground Launch Sequencer (GLS) activation (L-11H15M – 10H15M)

• Air-to-gaseous nitrogen (GN2) changeover and vehicle cavity inerting (L-11H45M – Launch)

Countdown Timeline

Before the Artemis I mission launches on its way around the Moon, the launch team at Kennedy and supporting 

teams across the country will begin the launch countdown about two days before liftoff.

The launch countdown contains “L Minus” and “T Minus” times. “L minus” indicates how far away liftoff is in hours 

and minutes and does not include built-in holds. “T minus” time is a sequence of events that are built into the launch 

countdown where counting and holds are inserted. 

Pauses in the countdown, or “holds,” are built into the countdown to allow the launch team to target a precise launch 

window, and to provide a cushion of time for certain tasks and procedures without impacting the overall schedule. 

For the Artemis I countdown, planned built-in holds vary in length and occur at the following times: L-8 hours 40 

minutes, and L-40 minutes. 
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L-10 hours 40 minutes and counting

• 3.5-hour built in countdown hold begins (L-10H40M – L-7H10M) 

• Launch team conducts a weather and tanking briefing (L-10H40M – L-9H50M) 

• Launch team decides if they are “go” or “no-go” to begin tanking the rocket (L-9H40M) 

• Core stage LOX transfer line chilldown (L-9H15M – L-9H) 

• Core stage LH2 transfer line chilldown (L-9H15M – L-8H45M)

L-8 hours and counting

• Core stage LOX main propulsion system chilldown (L-9H – L-8H20M) 

• Core stage LH2 slow fill start (L-8H45M – L-7H50M) 

• Core stage LOX slow fill (L-8H20M – L-8H5M) 

• Core stage LOX fast fill (L-8H5M – L-5H15M) 

• Core stage LH2 fast fill (L-7H50M – L-6H10M) 

• Engine bleed kick start (L-7H40M – L-7H20M)

• Core stage LH2 topping (L-6H10M – L6H5M) 

• Core stage LH2 replenish (L-6H5M – launch) 

• Core stage LOX topping (L-5H15M– L-5H5M) 

• ICPS LH2 ground support equipment and tank chilldown (L-5H20M – L-5H)

L-5 hours and counting

• Core stage LOX replenish (L-5H5M – launch) 

• ICPS LOX main propulsion system chilldown (L-5H5M– L-4H45M) 

• ICPS LH2 fast fill start (L-5H5M – L4H5M) 

• Orion communications system activated (RF to Mission Control) (L-4H20M – L-3H45M) 

• ICPS LOX fast fill (L-4H55M– L-4H10M) 

• ICPS LOX validation and leak test (L-4H10M – L-3H40M) 

• ICPS LH2 validation and leak test (L-4H – L-3H40M)

• ICPS LH2 tank topping start (L-3H40M – L-3H25M) 

• ICPS LH2 replenish (L-3H25M – launch)

• ICPS LOX topping (L-3H40M – L-3H20M) 

• ICPS LOX replenish (L-3H20M – launch) 

• ICPS/Space Launch System (SLS) telemetry data verified with Mission Control Center and SLS 

Engineering Support Center (L-3H – L-2H50M)

L-50 minutes and counting

• Final NASA Test Director briefing is held (L-50M)

L-40 minutes and counting

• Built in 30-minute countdown hold begins (L-40M)

L-15 minutes and counting

• The launch director polls the team to ensure they are “go” for launch 
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T-10 minutes and counting

• Ground Launch Sequencer (GLS) initiates terminal count (T-10M)

• GLS go for core stage tank pressurization (T-6M) 

• Orion ascent pyros are armed (T-6M) 

• Orion set to internal power (T-6M) 

• Core stage LH2 terminate replenish (T-5M57S) 

• GLS is go for flight termination system (FTS) arm (T-5M)

• GLS is go for LH2 high flow bleed check (T-4M40S)

• GLS is go for core stage auxiliary power unit (APU) start (T-4M)

• Core Stage APU starts (T-4M)

• Core stage LOX terminate replenish (T-4M)

• ICPS LOX terminate replenish (T-3M30S) 

• GLS is go for purge sequence 4 (T-3M10S) 

• ICPS switches to internal battery power (T-1M56S) 

• Core stage switches to internal power (T-1M30S) 

• ICPS enters terminal countdown mode (T-1M20S) 

• ICPS LH2 terminate replenish (T-50S) 

• GLS sends “go for automated launch sequencer” command (T-33S) 

• Core stage flight computer to automated launching sequencer (T-30S) 

• Hydrogen burn off igniters initiated (T-12S) 

• GLS sends the command for core stage engine start (T-10S) 

• RS-25 engines startup (T-6.36S)

T-0

• Booster ignition, umbilical separation, and liftoff

Inside the terminal countdown, teams have a few options to hold the count if needed.

• The launch team can hold at 6 minutes for the duration of the launch window, less the 6 minutes 

needed to launch, without having to recycle back to 10 minutes.

• If teams need to stop the clock between T-6 minutes and T-1 minute, 30 seconds, they can hold 

for up to 3 minutes and resume the clock to launch. If they require more than 3 minutes of hold 

time, the countdown would recycle back to T-10.

• If the clock stops after T-1 minute and 30 seconds, but before the automated launch sequencer 

takes over, then teams can recycle back to T-10 to try again, provided there is adequate launch 

window remaining.

• After handover to the automated launch sequencer, any issue that would stop the countdown 

would lead to concluding the launch attempt for that day.
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Ascent and Mission Timeline

Flight Day 1

1:04 a.m. – Liftoff

1:06:12 a.m. – Solid Rocket Booster separation (Mission Elapsed Time 00:02:12)

1:07:11 a.m. – Service module fairing jettison (MET 00:03:11)

1:07:16 a.m. – Launch abort system jettison (MET 00:03:16)

1:12:03 a.m. – Core stage main engine cutoff commanded (MET 00:08:03)

1:12:15 a.m. – Core Stage/ICPS separation (MET 00:08:15)

Times below are based on a launch at Nov. 16 at 1:04 a.m. Eastern. The timing of events may change if launch 

occurs at a time other than the opening of the launch window. All times Eastern.
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1:22:09 a.m. – Orion Solar Array Wing Deploy Begins (MET 00:18:09)

• Approximately 12 minutes in duration

1:56:56 a.m. – Perigee Raise Maneuver (MET 00:52:56)

• 22 seconds in duration

2:33:27 a.m. – Trans-lunar injection (MET 01:29:27)

• Approximately 18 minute burn

3:01:36 a.m. – Orion/ICPS separation (MET 01:57:36)

3:02:58 a.m. – Upper Stage Separation Burn (MET 01:58:58)

4:25:36 a.m. – ICPS Disposal Burn (MET 03:21:36)

8:51:31 a.m. – Outbound Trajectory Correction-1 burn (MET 07:47:31)

• First service module burn

Flight Day 2-5 – Outbound transit

Flight day 6-9 – Transit to Distant Retrograde Orbit (DRO) around the Moon

• Flight Day 6 (11/21): Outbound Powered Fly-by (burn 7:44 a.m.), Lunar close approach 

(~81.1 miles, 130 km)

Flight Day 10-15 – In DRO

• Flight Day 10 (11/25): DRO Insertion (burn 4:52 p.m.)

• Flight Day 11 (11/26): Orion passes Apollo 13 Record of 248,655 miles (400,171 km) 

from Earth for a spacecraft designed for humans (8:42 a.m.)

• Flight Day 13: (11/28): Orion reaches maximum distance from Earth (4:05 p.m.) at 

approximately 268,563 miles (432,194 km)

Flight Day 16-19 – Exit DRO

• Flight Day 16 (12/1): DRO Departure (burn 4:53 p.m.)

Flight Day 20-26 – Return transit 

• Flight Day 20 (12/5): Return Flyby (burn 11:43 a.m.), Lunar close approach (~79.2 

miles, 128 km)

Flight Day 26 – Earth Return

• 12:00:10 p.m. – Crew Module/Service Module Separation

• 12:20:14 p.m. – Crew Module Entry Interface

• 12:35:28 p.m. – Altitude 40K

• 12:36:02 p.m. – FBC Chute Deploy

• 12:36:04 p.m. – FBC Jettison

• 12:36:06 p.m. – Drogue Chute Deploy

• 12:37:26 p.m. – Main Chute Deploy

• 12:37:26 p.m. – Drogue Chute Jettison

• 12:39:41 p.m. – Splashdown
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Weather Criteria

The weather guidelines for Artemis I identify each condition that must be met to safely roll out to the pad and launch. 

These guidelines include criteria for various meteorological conditions. Weather teams refer to these criteria while 

monitoring the elements and implement constraints when conditions could affect rollout or liftoff. 

If other potential weather hazards exist beyond those in the guidelines, the launch weather team will report the hazardous 

condition to the launch director, who will determine whether launching would expose Artemis I to a weather hazard.

Basic Weather Criteria for Roll to the Pad

Do not roll to launch pad if the lightning forecast is greater than 10% within 20 nautical miles of the 

launch area during rollout. 

Do not roll to launch pad if there is greater than a 5% chance of hail forecast in the launch area 

during rollout. 

Do not roll to launch pad if the peak winds exceed 40 knots in the launch area during rollout. 

Do not roll to launch pad if temperature is less than 40 degrees Fahrenheit or exceeds 95 degrees 

Fahrenheit at the launch area during rollout. 

Basic Weather Launch Criteria at the Pad for Liftoff

Temperature

Do not initiate tanking if the 24-hour average temperature at both 132.5 feet and 257.5 feet is 

less than 41.4 degrees Fahrenheit.

Do not launch if the temperature at both 132.5 feet and 257.5 feet exceeds 94.5 degrees Fahrenheit 

for 30 consecutive minutes.

Do not launch if the temperature at both 132.5 feet and 257.5 feet drops below a defined 

temperature constraint for 30 consecutive minutes. The temperature constraints range from 38 

degrees Fahrenheit to 49 degrees Fahrenheit, depending upon the wind and relative humidity. Higher 

wind and relative humidity result in a colder temperature constraint.
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Wind

Do not launch if the peak liftoff winds exceed a range of 29 knots through 39 knots between 

132.5 feet and 457.5 feet, respectively. 

Do not launch through upper-level wind conditions that could lead to control problems for the 

launch vehicle.

Precipitation

Do not launch through precipitation.

Lightning

Do not initiate tanking of the core stage or interim cryogenic propulsion stage (ICPS) if the lightning 

forecast is greater than 20% within 5 nautical miles of the launch area during tanking. 

Do not launch for 30 minutes after lightning is observed within 10 nautical miles of the flight 

path, unless specified conditions related to cloud distance and surface electrical fields can be 

met.

Do not launch if the flight path is within 10 nautical miles of the edge of a thunderstorm that is 

producing lightning until 30 minutes after the last lightning discharge is observed. 

Do not launch if the flight path is within 10 nautical miles of an attached thunderstorm anvil cloud 

unless temperature, time since last lightning, and distance criteria can be met, and if within 3 nautical 

miles, maximum radar reflectivity criteria also are satisfied.

Do not launch if the flight path is within 10 nautical miles of a detached thunderstorm anvil cloud 

unless temperature, time since lightning and/or detachment, and distance criteria can be met, and if 

within 3 nautical miles, maximum radar reflectivity criteria also are satisfied.

Clouds

Do not launch if the flight path is within 3 nautical miles of a thunderstorm debris cloud for 3 

hours, unless temperature, surface electric field, and radar reflectivity criteria can be met. 

Do not launch if the flight path is within 5 nautical miles of disturbed weather clouds that extend into 

freezing temperatures and contain moderate or greater precipitation. 

Do not launch through a cloud layer that is within 5 nautical miles, greater than 4,500 feet thick, 

and extends into freezing temperatures, unless specific criteria related to radar reflectivity and cloud 

altitude can be met. 
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Do not launch if the flight path is within 10 nautical miles of cumulus clouds with certain distance 

and height criteria. There are additional caveats that could be met for clouds not reaching 23 degrees 

Fahrenheit.

Do not launch through cumulus clouds formed as the result of or directly attached to a smoke 

plume, unless more than 60 minutes passed since detachment from the smoke plume. 

Do not launch for 15 minutes if field mill instrument readings within 5 nautical miles of the launch 

pad equal or exceed +/- 1,500 volts per meter, or +/- 1,000 volts per meter, unless specific caveats 

related to clouds within 10 nautical miles of the flight path can be met. 

Solar Activity

Do not launch during active solar activity resulting in increased density of solar energetic 

particles.
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Artemis I will carry several payloads aboard SLS and Orion, including a number of technology demonstrations and 

science investigations, as well as mementos to be returned to Earth in Orion.

CubeSats

Small, low-cost science and technology experiments called CubeSats will 

deploy into deep space from the Orion stage adapter attached to the ICPS. 

These CubeSats are not much larger than a shoe box, weigh about 25 

pounds (11 kilograms) each, and contain science and technology that may 

help pave the way for future human exploration in deep space. International 

space agency partners and universities are involved with several of the 

CubeSats.

Artemis I CubeSats are listed below with their provider, area of exploration:

Moon 

Lunar IceCube – Morehead State University, Morehead, Kentucky 

Searching for water in all forms and other volatiles with an infrared spectrometer

LunaH-Map – Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 

Creating higher-fidelity maps of near-surface hydrogen in craters and other permanently shadowed 

regions of the lunar South Pole with neutron spectrometers

LunIR – Lockheed Martin, Denver, Colorado 

Performing advanced infrared imaging of the lunar surface

OMOTENASHI – JAXA, Japan 

Developing the world’s smallest lunar lander and studying the lunar environment

Radiation

CuSP – Southwest Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas 

Measuring particles and magnetic fields as a space weather station

BioSentinel – Ames Research Center, Silicon Valley, California 

Using single-celled yeast to detect, measure and compare the impact of deep-space radiation on 

living organisms over a long period of time

EQUULEUS – University of Tokyo/JAXA, Japan

Imaging the Earth’s plasmasphere for a better understanding of Earth’s radiation environment from 

Earth-Moon LaGrange 2 point

What’s On Board
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Asteroid 

NEA Scout – Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Alabama 

Traveling by solar sail to a near-Earth asteroid and taking pictures and other characterizations of its 

surface 

Technology Demonstrations

ArgoMoon – Italian Space Agency (ASI)

Observing the interim cryogenic propulsion stage with advanced optics and software imaging system

Team Miles – Tampa, Florida

Demonstrating propulsion using plasma thrusters and competing in NASA’s Deep Space Derby

Purposeful Passengers

Three “passengers” will fly aboard Orion to test the spacecraft’s systems and collect data to inform future missions 

with astronauts. 

Commander Moonikin Campos

A suited manikin named Commander Moonikin Campos during a public 

contest will occupy the commander’s seat inside Orion to provide data on 

what crew members may experience in flight.

The manikin’s seat will be outfitted with two sensors – one under the 

headrest and another behind the seat – to record acceleration and vibration 

throughout the mission. Five additional accelerometers inside Orion will 

provide data to compare vibration and acceleration between the upper and 

lower seats. The Orion Crew Survival System suit – a spacesuit astronauts 

will wear during launch, entry, and other dynamic phases of their missions – 

worn by the manikin will also be equipped with two radiation sensors.

Helga and Zohar

Two additional seats in Orion will be occupied by manikin torsos, called 

phantoms, manufactured from materials that mimic human bones, soft 

tissues, and organs of an adult female. Named Zohar and Helga, the torsos 

will be fitted with more than 5,600 passive sensors and 34 active radiation 

detectors to measure radiation exposure as part of the Matroshka AstroRad 

Radiation Experiment (MARE), an international effort including the German 

Aerospace Center, the Israel Space Agency, and NASA. 

Zohar will wear a radiation protection vest, called AstroRad, while Helga will not. The study will provide valuable data on 

radiation levels astronauts may encounter on lunar missions and evaluate the effectiveness of the protective vest that 

could allow crew to exit the storm shelter and continue working on critical mission activities in spite of a solar storm.
Artemis I Press Kit Back to Table of Contents 22

Additional Radiation Sensors

In addition to the CubeSats aboard the SLS rocket and the manikins inside the spacecraft, Orion will carry several 

additional instruments and investigations to study the radiation environment of deep space that is present for 

missions to the Moon and beyond.

Radiation Area Monitor (RAM)

Radiation sensor technology aboard the spacecraft includes six Radiation Area Monitor (RAM) passive detectors 

about the size of a matchbox that will record the total radiation dose during the mission. As passive instruments, 

they require no source of power to collect radiation dose information and will be analyzed after the flight.

Hybrid Electronic Radiation Assessor (HERA)

Orion also will be equipped with a radiation detector named the Hybrid Electronic Radiation Assessor (HERA) that 

will measure charged particles that pass through its sensors. As an active instrument attached to the spacecraft, it 

will be connected to power and also can send its readings to Earth during the flight. On crewed missions, HERA will 

be part of the spacecraft’s Caution and Warning System and will sound a warning in the case of a solar energetic 

particle event, notifying the crew to take shelter. NASA is also testing a similar HERA unit aboard the International 

Space Station. 

ESA Active Dosimeters

Created and provided by ESA, five devices each about the size of a deck of cards will be mounted inside the cabin 

and equipped with multiple sensors that cover a broad range of energies from ionizing radiation in space. Called 

ESA Active Dosimeters, the devices will record data on the radiation environment inside the spacecraft in real time 

with a timestamp to allow scientists to see radiation dose rates during various mission phases, as well as total 

mission dose. Scientists tested a similar ESA active dosimeter on the space station. 

Biology Investigations

Orion will also carry a payload called Biological Experiment-01 containing four space biology investigations. These 

investigations will look at the effects of the deep space environment on the nutritional value of seeds, DNA repair of 

fungi, adaptation of yeast, and gene expression of algae during the journey around the Moon. The experiments will 

take place inside a container stored within Orion’s crew module for the duration of Artemis I and will be returned to 

researchers for post-flight analyses after the spacecraft splashes down. The fundamental knowledge gained from 

these investigations will help us learn how we can better thrive in deep space, for future missions to the Moon and 

Mars.

Callisto

Callisto is a technology demonstration developed through a reimbursable space act agreement with Lockheed 

Martin. Lockheed Martin has partnered with Amazon, and Cisco to bring the Alexa digital assistant and Webex video 

collaboration aboard Orion’s first flight test in deep space.

Named after a mythological Greek goddess and one of Artemis’ hunting attendants, Callisto is meant to show how 

commercial technology could assist future astronauts on deep space missions. The payload will demonstrate how 

astronauts and flight controllers can use human-machine interface technology to make their jobs simpler, safer and 

more efficient, and advance human exploration in deep space.

The industry-funded payload will be located on Orion’s center console and includes a tablet that will test Webex by 

Cisco video conferencing software to transmit video and audio from the Mission Control Center at Johnson, and 

custom-built hardware and software by Lockheed Martin and Amazon that will test Alexa, Amazon’s voice-based 

virtual assistant, to respond to the transmitted audio.
Artemis I Press Kit Back to Table of Contents 23

Orion

The Orion spacecraft is specifically designed to carry 

astronauts to deep space and is currently the only 

spacecraft capable of crewed deep space flight and 

high-speed return from the vicinity of the Moon. Orion 

is composed of three main elements and supporting 

subsystems. The main elements are 1) the crew module, 

where astronauts live and work; 2) the service module, 

provided by ESA,which will provide power, propulsion, 

and thermal control; and 3) the launch abort system, 

which can pull the spacecraft and crew to safety in the 

event of an emergency during launch or ascent to orbit. 

On deep space missions, both distance and duration 

dictate the capabilities and advanced technologies needed. Artemis I will test Orion’s navigation and communications 

systems beyond the range of GPS and above communication satellites in Earth orbit; test the radiation sensors and 

shielding outside the protection of Earth’s magnetic field; and test the world’s largest heat shield during a highspeed return from the Moon, at nearly 25,000 mph and temperatures half as hot as the surface of the Sun.

Space Launch System (SLS)

NASA’s Space Launch System is the world’s most powerful rocket that provides the foundation for human exploration 

beyond Earth’s orbit and is currently the only rocket that can safely send Orion directly to the Moon. The main 

elements are 1) a central core stage that houses propellant tanks, engines, and avionics; 2) four liquid propellant RS25 engines powered by cryogenic, or supercold, liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen; 3) two solid-fuel rocket boosters 

that provide the majority of thrust and steering for the rocket during the first two minutes of flight; and 4) an upper 

stage fueled by liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen for in-space propulsion after separation from the core stage.

SLS is designed specifically for deep space missions with humans and will send the Orion spacecraft to the Moon, 

which is nearly 1,000 times farther than where the International Space Station resides in low-Earth orbit. The rocket 

will provide the power to help Orion reach a speed of 22,600 mph, to escape the pull of Earth’s gravity send the 

spacecraft to the Moon. 

Deep Space Exploration System

The Space Launch System rocket, Orion spacecraft, and ground systems at Kennedy Space Center in Florida are 

critical to NASA’s exploration plans at the Moon and beyond. NASA designed the SLS as the world’s most powerful 

rocket for safely sending humans on missions to deep space, and Orion is specifically designed to sustain humans 

hundreds of thousands of miles from home. Exploration Ground Systems (EGS) at Kennedy has the infrastructure to 

support the systems and facilities necessary to process and launch SLS and Orion. Together, SLS, Orion, and EGS are 

designed to meet the evolving needs of our nation’s deep space exploration program for decades to come. 
Artemis I Press Kit Back to Table of Contents 24

Exploration Ground Systems

The role of the Exploration Ground Systems (EGS) Program is to develop and operate the systems and facilities 

necessary to process, assemble, transport, and launch rockets and spacecraft at the NASA’s Kennedy Space 

Center in Florida. For Artemis missions, EGS is focused on the equipment, management, and operations required 

to safely connect the Orion spacecraft with the SLS rocket; move the rocket to the launch pad; successfully launch 

it into space; and recover the spacecraft once it has splashed down. 

The main elements at Launch Complex 39 consist of 1) the 52-story Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) for final 

assembly and testing of the rocket and spacecraft; 2) the mobile launcher that serves as the ground structure for 

stacking the rocket and spacecraft inside the VAB and from which the rocket will launch on the pad; 3) the crawlertransporter that will carry the rocket and spacecraft atop the mobile launcher along a crawlerway between the 

VAB and the pad; 4) the Launch Control Center, which contains the firing rooms for commanding the launch; and 

5) Launch Pad 39B with electrical power, a water system, a flame trench, and a safe launch area to support SLS 

launches.
Artemis I Press Kit Back to Table of Contents 25

NASA’s Near Space Network

NASA’s Near Space Network provides a suite of communications and navigation services through commercial and 

government-owned, contractor-operated network infrastructure. The network will provide communications and navigation 

services during launch and navigation services at various points on the journey to the Moon. Additionally, as Orion 

journeys back to Earth, the Near Space Network will provide communications and navigation services.

The Near Space Network’s Launch Communications Segment will provide links to both Orion and SLS during prelaunch 

and launch for Artemis I. NASA’s constellation of Tracking and Data Relay Satellites (TDRS), will provide near-continuous 

communications services during launch and low-Earth orbit phases of the Artemis I mission. TDRS will continue service 

until Orion and ICPS leave its coverage volume, when NASA’s Deep Space Network takes over, and then provide service 

again on Orion’s return to Earth, from the final return trajectory correction burn through splashdown.

Space Communications and Navigation

Artemis I will demonstrate NASA’s comprehensive communications network services for journeys to lunar orbit. 

The mission relies on NASA’s worldwide network infrastructure for seamless communications, providing different 

service levels as Orion leaves Earth, orbits the Moon, and returns safely home. 

For Artemis I, NASA’s Near Space Network and NASA’s Deep Space Network will be used to support communication 

and navigation services. Communication services allow flight controllers to send commands to the spacecraft and 

receive data from Orion, the Space Launch System, and the rocket’s upper stage. Navigation, or tracking, services 

enable the flight controllers to calculate where the spacecraft are along their trajectory through space.
Artemis I Press Kit Back to Table of Contents 26

NASA’s Deep Space Network

The Deep Space Network will handle communications beyond low-Earth orbit. Additionally, the network will facilitate 

communications during the CubeSat deployments that will fly as secondary payloads on Artemis I with their own 

science and technology missions. The Near Space Network and Deep Space Network will work together to support 

navigation for Orion so that engineers can employ a technique called three-way Doppler tracking. With two ground 

stations on Earth in contact with Orion simultaneously – one from each network – NASA can triangulate Orion’s 

location relative to the ground stations.
Artemis I Press Kit Back to Table of Contents 27

Launch Control Center

The Launch Control Center (LCC) at NASA’s Kennedy Space 

Center in Florida is where launch operations personnel will 

operate, monitor, and coordinate the launch of the SLS rocket 

and Orion spacecraft.

The LCC links the launch team operators inside Firing Room 

1 to the SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft in processing areas 

such as the Vehicle Assembly Building, mobile launcher, and 

at Launch Complex 39B. Controllers at Kennedy are also able 

to communicate with controllers at the Space Launch Delta 45 

Eastern Range and other NASA control centers from the LCC.

Mission Control Center

NASA’s Christopher C. Kraft Jr. Mission Control Center (MCC) at 

the Johnson Space Center in Houston is the facility from which 

flight operations personnel will remotely monitor and operate the 

Orion spacecraft and receive data from Orion and SLS.

MCC is comprised of several flight control rooms (FCR), including 

FCR-1, FCR-2 (the historic Apollo Flight Control Room) and the 

Red, White, and Blue FCRs. The White FCR was transformed from 

its shuttle legacy configuration into a modern mission control 

configuration known as the MCC-21 effort and is ultimately 

intended to serve as the mission control fo r flights of NASA’s 

Orion spacecraft on missions to deep space destinations.

SLS Engineering Support Center

The SLS Engineering Support Center is located in the Huntsville 

Operations Support Center at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight 

Center and allows engineers specializing in the engines, boosters, 

core stage, avionics, and upper stage to monitor the rocket’s 

propulsion and other systems during the countdown and flight.

The teams in the support center provide technical expertise to 

the launch operations team located in the LCC and the flight 

operations team located in the MCC. Support center teams 

also will provide help to solve challenges during the launch 

countdown and flight and produce flash reports and archive data 

for additional study in the weeks and months after launch. 

Flight Facilities
Artemis I Press Kit Back to Table of Contents 28

Mission Personnel & Management

The primary teams responsible for supporting the mission include the mission management team, the launch 

control team, the flight control team, and the landing and recovery team. Throughout the mission, the mission 

management team is responsible for reviewing mission status and risk assessments for issues that arise and 

making relevant decisions. The launch control, flight control, and landing and recovery teams are responsible for 

operations throughout the mission phases. Additional support teams also provide technical expertise to the mission 

management team and each of the operations teams throughout the mission.

Mission Manager: Mike Sarafin 

Mike Sarafin is the Artemis mission manager at NASA Headquarters 

in Washington. In this role, he leads the Mission Management Team 

for Artemis I, providing oversight and responsibility for critical 

decisions across all flight phases (launch, in-space, and recovery), 

with support from team members and advisors with technical 

expertise in various areas. Prior to flight he acts as a senior technical 

leader that integrates mission requirements, mission planning, 

operations and flight readiness leading to mission execution.

Launch Director: Charlie Blackwell-Thompson

Charlie Blackwell-Thompson is the Artemis I launch director at 

NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, overseeing the countdown 

and liftoff of SLS and Orion. Named to the position in January 2016, 

Blackwell-Thompson is NASA’s first female launch director. Her role 

includes leading and managing the launch operations planning and 

execution for the Exploration Ground Systems Program. She also 

serves as the cross-program lead to the Launch Integration team 

responsible for integration and coordination of launch operations 

across the three programs: SLS, Orion and EGS. In her role as launch 

director, she manages the development of all launch countdown 

plans, philosophy, and launch and scrub turnaround procedures 

and schedules, as well as training approaches.
Artemis I Press Kit Back to Table of Contents 29

Recovery Director: Melissa Jones

Melissa Jones is the Artemis I landing and recovery director for 

the Exploration Ground Systems program at Kennedy. Jones is 

responsible for leading NASA’s efforts for nominal and contingency 

retrieval of flight crew and crew module hardware worldwide. In this 

position, she also will lead the Recovery Team that will partner with 

the U.S. Navy to recover the Orion crew module from the Pacific 

Ocean.

Ascent and Entry Flight Director: Judd Frieling 

Judd Frieling serves as the Artemis I ascent and entry flight director at 

Johnson. Frieling is responsible for two phases of flight: launch of the 

Orion spacecraft atop the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket as they 

clear the launch pad and climb toward the Moon, and Orion’s return 

from the lunar vicinity as it enters Earth’s atmosphere and splashes 

down in the ocean. From the Mission Control Center, Frieling oversees 

the flight control team – who have real-time command and control 

capability of the spacecraft – monitoring the launch performance of 

Orion and the SLS engines and its boosters, as well as the propulsions 

stages as the rocket clears the launch pad. During re-entry, the team 

tracks Orion as it speeds through Earth’s atmosphere and descends 

during a parachute-controlled splashdown of the crew module in the 

Pacific Ocean. 

Lead Flight Director: Rick LaBrode 

Rick LaBrode is the Artemis I lead flight director at NASA’s Johnson 

Space Center in Houston. In this role he is responsible for guiding 

the flight control team in Mission Control to execute the mission 

objectives of the Orion spacecraft. LaBrode coordinates with teams 

to plan the mission design and strategy, develops procedures and 

flight rules on how to operate the spacecraft, and is responsible 

for the overall success of the mission, beginning with the Space 

Launch System rocket firing from space to propel Orion toward the 

Moon, through its trek back to Earth. As a flight director, LaBrode is 

involved in critical decision-making when needed and oversees the 

flight controllers who use real-time telemetry to track and monitor 

technical and safety aspects during the mission.
Artemis I Press Kit Back to Table of Contents 30

NASA Exploration Ground Systems Program Manager:

Mike Bolger

Mike Bolger is manager of the EGS program at Kennedy. He is 

responsible for leading the government and contractor team that 

is preparing the ground systems, infrastructure, facilities, and 

processes required to support NASA’s next-generation space 

launch systems and spacecraft.

NASA Space Launch System Program Manager:

John Honeycutt

John Honeycutt is manager of the SLS program at Marshall. 

He is responsible for directing SLS program activities leading 

to development of America’s deep-space rocket for human and 

scientific exploration.

NASA Orion Program Manager: Howard Hu

Howard Hu is manager of the Orion program at Johnson. As 

Orion program manager, he is responsible for oversight of design, 

development, production, and operations of the Orion spacecraft 

that will carry humans farther into space than ever before.
Artemis I Press Kit Back to Table of Contents 31

Associate Administrator of the Exploration Systems 

Development Mission Directorate: James Free

James Free is associate administrator of the Exploration 

Systems Development Mission Directorate at NASA 

Headquarters. As associate administrator, he provides 

leadership and management of human spaceflight systems 

development for programs critical to Artemis and NASA’s Moon 

and Mars exploration goals. 

Deputy Associate Administrator for Common Exploration 

Systems Development Division: Tom Whitmeyer

Tom Whitmeyer is the deputy associate administrator for the 

mission directorate’s Common Exploration Systems division. In 

his role, Whitmeyer provides executive leadership and program 

integration of SLS, Orion, and EGS programs, and the overall 

systems integration, program planning and control, and mission 

operations of the enterprise.

Deputy Associate Administrator of the Exploration Systems 

Development Mission Directorate: Cathy Koerner

Cathy Koerner is deputy associate administrator of the 

Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate at NASA 

Headquarters. In this role, she is responsible for establishing 

and defining future space exploration architectures while 

overseeing development of new space transportation systems 

and supporting capabilities that are critical for human-led deep 

space exploration and scientific research.
Artemis I Press Kit Back to Table of Contents 32

Men and women across America and in Europe are building the systems to support missions to the Moon, Mars, 

and beyond. These missions are critical to the space economy, fueling new industries and technologies, supporting 

job growth, and furthering the demand for a highly skilled workforce. Since its inception, every state in America has 

contributed to the success of Artemis, with companies hard at work on innovations that will help establish a longduration human presence at the Moon.

Lead contractors for Orion, SLS, and EGS include:

• Lockheed Martin for Orion

• Aerojet Rocketdyne, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, and Teledyne Brown for the Space Launch System

• Jacobs for Exploration Ground Systems

These lead contractors currently have thousands of suppliers contributing to Orion, the SLS rocket, and the spaceport 

at Kennedy from all 50 states. With NASA investments, additional U.S. companies, including small businesses, are 

advancing technologies and systems needed for the Artemis program.

For more information and a map of Artemis partners, visit https://www.nasa.gov/content/artemis-partners

European Space Agency 

In addition, workers in the U.S. and 10 European countries provide work on Orion’s European Service Module. The 

European Service Module is ESA’s contribution to NASA’s Orion spacecraft. It provides electricity, water, oxygen 

and nitrogen as well as keeping the spacecraft at the right temperature and on course. European countries include 

Germany, Italy, Switzerland, France, Belgium, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Spain, and The Netherlands. Airbus is the 

lead contractor under ESA for the service module. The final product is assembled in Europe before being shipped 

to Kennedy. International partnerships play a key role in achieving the agency’s goals, and establishing a safe, 

peaceful, and prosperous future in space. 

www.esa.int/orion

Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin is the lead contractor for the design, 

development test and production of the Orion spacecraft. 

As lead contractor for Orion, Lockheed Martin designed and 

builds the spacecraft’s crew module – where astronauts will 

fly ̶ the launch abort system, and crew module adapter. It also 

integrates the European Service Module into a completed Orion 

spacecraft. Lockheed Martin performs the majority of the Orion 

engineering work in Denver, manufactures the crew module 

pressure vessel and thermal protection materials at the Michoud 

Assembly Facility in New Orleans, and completes final assembly 

of the spacecraft in Florida at the Kennedy Space Center and 

Spacecraft, Test, Assembly and Resource (STAR) Center. 

https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/products/orion.html

Lead Contractors and Suppliers
Artemis I Press Kit Back to Table of Contents 33

Aerojet Rocketdyne

Aerojet Rocketdyne is the lead contractor for the four RS-25 engines that will be used to propel SLS during its 

8.5-minute climb to space and the RL10 engine that powers the rocket’s interim cryogenic propulsion stage. 

Additionally, Aerojet Rocketdyne provides eight auxiliary engines and 12 reaction control thrusters for the Orion crew 

module as well as the jettison motor for the launch abort system. The company also manufactures the high-pressure 

helium tanks that inflate Orion’s flotation system for water-based landings.

https://www.rocket.com/space/artemis

Boeing

Boeing is the lead contractor for the design, development, test, and production of the SLS core stage and ICPS, as 

well as development of the flight avionics suite. Boeing built and tested the core stage for the Artemis I mission. The 

SLS core stage is the world’s tallest rocket stage. It will store cryogenic liquid hydrogen, liquid oxygen, and all the 

systems that will feed the stage’s four RS-25 engines. It also houses the flight computers and other avionics needed 

to control the rocket’s flight. The ICPS provides in-space propulsion after the solid rocket boosters and core stage 

are jettisoned.

https://www.boeing.com/space/space-launch-system/launch/index.html

Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman is the lead contractor for the design, development, testing, and production of the twin solid 

rocket boosters that provide nearly 80 percent of initial thrust for SLS. Additionally, Northrop Grumman provides 16 

booster separation motors, designed to push the spent solid rocket boosters away from the core stage, for each 

launch. Northrop Grumman also produces the launch abort motor and the attitude control motor for the Orion 

spacecraft’s launch abort system. 

https://www.northropgrumman.com/space/nasas-artemis-program/

Teledyne Brown Engineering 

Teledyne Brown Engineering is the lead contractor for the launch vehicle stage adapter, providing engineering, 

technical support, and hardware for the Artemis I adapter and structural test article. Teledyne Brown manufactures 

the adapter using the friction stir welding tools in the Advanced Weld Facility at Marshall. 

https://www.tbe.com/what-we-do/markets/space

Jacobs

Jacobs is the lead contractor for NASA’s Exploration Ground Systems Program at Kennedy. In this role, the Jacobs 

team oversees launch operations and integrates Artemis spaceflight hardware at Kennedy. Working in multiple 

facilities across Kennedy, Jacobs receives all of the hardware and conducts final processing, assembly, testing and 

integration in preparation for launch. Jacobs has worked with NASA to develop the Artemis ground operations and 

launch control software, and will be on consoles in the Launch Control Center firing room supporting the countdown 

on launch day. The Jacobs team also supports the Orion recovery operations after splashdown. 

https://www.jacobs.com/projects/artemis
Artemis I Press Kit Back to Table of Contents 34

Airbus

Orion’s European Service Module is built by Airbus under a 

contract with ESA. The service module will provide critical 

functions such as the propulsion system to get to the Moon, 

and astronaut life support systems such as water, oxygen, and 

nitrogen. Many companies all over Europe, as well as companies 

in the United States, supply components for the service module. 

The final product is assembled in Europe before being shipped to 

NASA. ESA has signed contracts with Airbus for the construction 

of a total of six European Service Modules. 

https://www.airbus.com/space/space-infrastructures/OrionESM.html
Artemis I Press Kit Back to Table of Contents 35

Artemis 

NASA Headquarters 

Exploration Systems Development Mission 

Directorate Public Affairs

Kathryn Hambleton 

202-358-1409 

kathryn.hambleton@nasa.gov

Rachel Kraft

Exploration Systems Development

Mission Directorate Public Affairs

Rachel Kraft

202-365-7575

rachel.h.kraft@nasa.gov

Social Media 

Thalia Patrinos 

202-358-3887 

thalia.k.patrinos@nasa.gov 

NASA’s Kennedy Space Center 

Artemis Public Affairs

Tiffany Fairley 

321-867-7986 

tiffany.l.fairley@nasa.gov 

NASA’s Johnson Space Center 

Artemis Public Affairs

Gary Jordan

281-483-5111

gary.j.jordan@nasa.gov

Flight Operations Directorate

Astronaut Office Public Affairs Specialist

Megan Dean

281-483-5111

megan.dean@nasa.gov

Orion 

NASA’s Johnson Space Center 

Orion Public Affairs 

Laura Rochon 

281-483-5111 

laura.a.rochon@nasa.gov 

NASA’s Langley Research Center 

Orion – Launch Abort System Public Affairs

Kristyn Damadeo 

757-864-1090 

kristyn.damadeo@nasa.gov 

NASA’s Glenn Research Center 

Orion - European Service Module Public Affairs

James “Jimi” Russell 

216-433-2894 

james.j.russell@nasa.gov 

Lockheed Martin 

Communications

Gary Napier 

720-224-7955

gary.p.napier@lmco.com

ESA - European Space Agency 

Communication Programme Office for Human 

and Robotic Exploration 

Rosita Suenson 

+31 652 062 158 

rosita.suenson@esa.int 

Senior Editor 

Julien Harrod 

+31 617 02 51 84 

julien.harrod@esa.int

Communications Contacts
Artemis I Press Kit Back to Table of Contents 36

Orion Continued 

Media Relations 

Ninja Mennings 

media@esa.int 

Airbus 

Media Relations 

Ralph Heinrich 

+49 171 304 9751 

ralph.heinrich@airbus.com 

Space Launch System

NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center 

Space Launch System Public Affairs

Tracy McMahan 

256-682-5326 

tracy.mcmahan@nasa.gov

Space Launch System Public Affairs

Ray Osorio 

256-267-2909 

ramon.j.osorio@nasa.gov

Space Launch System Public Affairs

Corinne Edmiston 

256-975-6798

corinne.m.edmiston@nasa.gov 

NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility 

Strategic Communications 

Craig Betbeze 

504-419-5333 

craig.c.betbeze@nasa.gov 

NASA’s Stennis Space Center 

Office of Communications 

Lacy Thompson

228-688-3050

calvin.l.thompson@nasa.gov

Aerojet Rocketdyne 

SLS and Orion Media Relations

Mary Engola 

571-289-1371 

mary.engola@rocket.com 

SLS Media Relations

Todd McConnell

561-302-8358

Todd.McConnell@Rocket.com

Boeing 

Media Relations 

Steve Siceloff

(281) 253-8089

steven.p.siceloff@boeing.com 

Media Relations 

Josh Barrett 

321-607-4118 

joshua.d.barrett2@boeing.com 

Northrop Grumman 

Propulsion Systems/SLS & Launch Abort

Kay Anderson

435-230-2787

kay.anderson@ngc.com 

Propulsion Systems/SLS & Launch Abort

Scott Day 

480-352-3798 

scott.day@ngc.com

Propulsion Systems/SLS & Launch Abort

Kendra Kastelan

385-232-0297

kendra.kastelan@ngc.com 
Artemis I Press Kit Back to Table of Contents 37

Space Launch System Continued

Teledyne Brown Engineering 

Director of Marketing, Communication and 

Strategic Integration 

Jessica Sanders 

256-726-1385 

jessica.sanders@teledyne.com

United Launch Alliance

Senior Manager, Strategic Communications

Julie Arnold

321-423-4594

julie.a.arnold@ulalaunch.com 

Exploration Ground Systems 

NASA’s Kennedy Space Center 

Space Launch System and Orion 

Madison Tuttle 

321-861-0493 

madison.e.tuttle@nasa.gov 

Vehicle Assembly Building/Launch Control 

Center/Spanish Language Lead

Antonia Jaramillo Botero 

321-501-8425 

antonia.jaramillobotero@nasa.gov 

Launch Pad 39B/ Mobile Launchers/CrawlerTransporters

Tammy Long

321-427-3010

tammy.long@nasa.gov

Jacobs 

Strategic Communications & Suppliers Lead 

Katie Frakes 

321-289-7863; 321-360-2781 

katie.j.frakes@nasa.gov

Media Engagement Lead 

Tracy Yates 

321-750-1739 

tracy.e.yates@nasa.gov 

Media Relations 

Paige Easley 

601-248-7762 

elizabeth.p.easley@nasa.gov 

CubeSats

NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center 

Space Launch System 

Tracy McMahan 

256-682-5326 

tracy.mcmahan@nasa.gov 

Space Launch System 

Corinne Edmiston 

256-698-2638 

corinne.m.edmiston@nasa.gov 

Orion Payloads 

Matroshka AstroRad Radiation Experiment 

(MARE) 

German Aerospace Center (DLR) 

MARE Project Manager 

Dr. Thomas Berger 

+49 2203 601 31 35 

thomas.berger@dlr.de 

Israel Space Agency (ISA) 

Director of International Relations

Revital Karin Sela 

RevitalS@most.gov.il

StemRad, LTD 

CEO 

Dr. Oren Milstein 

USA: 813-808-3038 

Israel: +972-54-255-1495 

oren@stemrad.com 
Artemis I Press Kit Back to Table of Contents 38

Orion Payloads Continued

Callisto Technology Demonstration 

Lockheed Martin 

Communications

Gary Napier 

303-971-4012; 720-224-7955 

gary.p.napier@lmco.com 

Manikin “Commander Moonikin Campos”

NASA’s Johnson Space Center 

Orion Public Affairs 

Laura Rochon 

281-483-5111

laura.a.rochon@nasa.gov 

Bio-Experiment-1 

NASA’s Kennedy Space Center

Public Affairs 

Mary MacLaughlin

321-867-3155 

mary.maclaughlin@nasa.gov

Other 

U.S. Navy 

Public Affairs Officer, Expeditionary Strike Group 3 

LCDR Lauren Spaziano 

619-767-6833; 619-886-4293 

lauren.spaziano@navy.mil 
Artemis I Press Kit Back to Table of Contents 39

Media Resources

Artemis: http://www.nasa.gov/artemis

Artemis I: https://www.nasa.gov/content/artemis-i-media-resources

Orion: https://www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/orion/media-resources

Space Launch System: https://www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/sls/resources.html

Exploration Ground Systems: https://www.nasa.gov/content/exploration-ground-systems-news-and-resources

Social Media Links

NASA

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/NASA

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NASA

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/NASA

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/NASA

Tumblr: https://nasa.tumblr.com/

Artemis 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/NASAArtemis

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NASAArtemis/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/nasaartemis

Orion 

Twitter: http://twitter.com/NASA_Orion

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NASAOrion

Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/nasaorion

Tumblr: https://nasaorion.tumblr.com/

Lockheed Martin

Twitter: https://twitter.com/lmspace

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lockheedmartin

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lockheedmartin

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/LockheedMartinVideos

Additional Multimedia Materials
Artemis I Press Kit Back to Table of Contents 40

European Space Agency

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/esa

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EuropeanSpaceAgency

Instagram: https://instagram.com/europeanspaceagency/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ESA

Airbus

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/AirbusSpace

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AirbusSpace/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/airbus_space

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/airbusds

Space Launch System 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/NASA_SLS

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NASASLS/

Flickr: https://flic.kr/s/aHsjw4fs4a

Aerojet Rocketdyne

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/AerojetRdyne

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AerojetRdyne

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aerojet_rocketdyne

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/AerojetRocketdyne

Boeing

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/BoeingSpace

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Boeing/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boeing

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/boeing

Northrop Grumman

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/northropgrumman

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NorthropGrumman

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/NorthropGrumman

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/northropgrummanmedia

Exploration Ground Systems

Twitter: https://twitter.com/NASAGroundSys

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NASAGroundSystems/

Flickr: https://flic.kr/s/aHsk6rHRz3
Artemis I Press Kit Back to Table of Contents 41

Jacobs

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JacobsConnects

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JacobsConnects

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jacobs/ 

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/jacobsworldwide

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacobsconnects/

Kennedy Space Center

Twitter: https://twitter.com/NASAKennedy

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NASAKennedy/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nasakennedy/

Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/nasakennedy/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/NASAKennedy

Johnson Space Center

Twitter: https://twitter.com/NASA_Johnson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NASAJSC

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nasajohnson/

Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/nasa2explore/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ReelNASA

Marshall Space Flight Center

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/NASA_Marshall

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nasamarshallcenter

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nasa_marshall

Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/nasamarshall

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/NASAMarshallTV