{"id":631307,"date":"2024-03-13T13:30:55","date_gmt":"2024-03-13T17:30:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/?post_type=image-article&p=631307"},"modified":"2024-03-21T17:49:13","modified_gmt":"2024-03-21T21:49:13","slug":"evolved-adapter-for-future-nasa-sls-flights-readied-for-testing","status":"publish","type":"image-article","link":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/image-article\/evolved-adapter-for-future-nasa-sls-flights-readied-for-testing\/","title":{"rendered":"Adapter for Future NASA SLS Flights Readied for Testing"},"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\/03\/msfc-022224-usa-dta-shipment-from-dynetics-decatur-to-marshall-1.jpg\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1152\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/msfc-022224-usa-dta-shipment-from-dynetics-decatur-to-marshall-1.jpg?w=2048\" class=\"attachment-2048x2048 size-2048x2048\" alt=\"A test version of the universal stage adapter for the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket for Artemis 4 is seen inside Marshall Space Flight Center\u2019s facility in Huntsville, Alabama. The adapter sits on a yellow piece of hardware. There is an American flag hanging on the wall to the right and the word \u201cLeidos\u201d is painted black on the white adapter.\" 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\/03\/msfc-022224-usa-dta-shipment-from-dynetics-decatur-to-marshall-1.jpg 6000w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/msfc-022224-usa-dta-shipment-from-dynetics-decatur-to-marshall-1.jpg?resize=300,169 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/msfc-022224-usa-dta-shipment-from-dynetics-decatur-to-marshall-1.jpg?resize=768,432 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/msfc-022224-usa-dta-shipment-from-dynetics-decatur-to-marshall-1.jpg?resize=1024,576 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/msfc-022224-usa-dta-shipment-from-dynetics-decatur-to-marshall-1.jpg?resize=1536,864 1536w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/msfc-022224-usa-dta-shipment-from-dynetics-decatur-to-marshall-1.jpg?resize=2048,1152 2048w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/msfc-022224-usa-dta-shipment-from-dynetics-decatur-to-marshall-1.jpg?resize=400,225 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/msfc-022224-usa-dta-shipment-from-dynetics-decatur-to-marshall-1.jpg?resize=600,338 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/msfc-022224-usa-dta-shipment-from-dynetics-decatur-to-marshall-1.jpg?resize=900,506 900w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/msfc-022224-usa-dta-shipment-from-dynetics-decatur-to-marshall-1.jpg?resize=1200,675 1200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/msfc-022224-usa-dta-shipment-from-dynetics-decatur-to-marshall-1.jpg?resize=2000,1125 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" loading=\"eager\" \/><\/a><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\"><div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA\/Sam Lott<\/div><\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p>A test version of the universal stage adapter for NASA\u2019s more powerful version of its <a href=\"http:\/\/nasa.gov\/sls\" rel=\"noopener\">SLS (Space Launch System)<\/a> rocket arrived to Building 4619 at NASA\u2019s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, Feb. 22 from Leidos in Decatur, Alabama. The universal stage adapter will connect the rocket\u2019s upgraded in-space propulsion stage, called the exploration upper stage, to NASA\u2019s Orion spacecraft as part of the evolved <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/general\/nasa-expanding-lunar-exploration-with-upgraded-sls-mega-rocket-design\/\">Block 1B configuration<\/a> of the SLS rocket. It will also serve as a compartment capable of accommodating large payloads, such as modules or other exploration spacecraft. The SLS Block 1B variant will debut on Artemis IV and will increase SLS\u2019s payload capability to send more than 84,000 pounds to the Moon in a single launch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In Building 4619\u2019s Load Test Annex High Bay at <a href=\"http:\/\/nasa.gov\/marshall\" rel=\"noopener\">Marshall<\/a>, the development test article will first undergo modal testing that will shake the hardware to validate dynamic models. Later, during ultimate load testing, force will be applied vertically and to the sides of the hardware. Unlike the flight hardware, the development test article has flaws intentionally included in its design, which will help engineers verify that the adapter can withstand the extreme forces it will face during launch and flight. The test article joins an already-rich history of rocket hardware that has undergone high-and-low pressure, acoustic, and extreme temperature testing in the multipurpose, high-bay test facility; it will be tested in the same location that once bent, compressed, and torqued the core stage <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/image-article\/space-launch-system-intertank-readied-structural-testing\/\">intertank test article<\/a> for SLS rocket\u2019s Block 1 configuration. Leidos, the prime contractor for the universal stage adapter, manufactured the full-scale prototype at its Aerospace Structures Complex in Decatur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>NASA is working to land the first woman, first person of color, and its first international partner astronaut on the Moon under Artemis. SLS is part of NASA\u2019s backbone for deep space exploration, along with the Orion spacecraft and Gateway in orbit around the Moon and commercial human landing systems, next-generational spacesuits, and rovers on the lunar surface. SLS is the only rocket that can send Orion, astronauts, and supplies to the Moon in a single launch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">News Media Contact<\/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>A test version of the universal stage adapter for NASA\u2019s more powerful version of its SLS (Space Launch System) rocket arrived to Building 4619 at NASA\u2019s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, Feb. 22 from Leidos in Decatur, Alabama. The universal stage adapter will connect the rocket\u2019s upgraded in-space propulsion stage, called the exploration […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":35,"featured_media":631311,"template":"","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":[]},"categories":[2681,2920,2656,2864,3784],"news-tags":[],"internal-terms":[3939,4984,11270,3919,3942],"coauthors":[8391],"parsely":{"version":"1.1.0","meta":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","headline":"Adapter for Future NASA SLS Flights Readied for Testing","url":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/image-article\/evolved-adapter-for-future-nasa-sls-flights-readied-for-testing\/","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/image-article\/evolved-adapter-for-future-nasa-sls-flights-readied-for-testing\/"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/msfc-022224-usa-dta-shipment-from-dynetics-decatur-to-marshall-1.jpg?w=150&h=150&crop=1","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/msfc-022224-usa-dta-shipment-from-dynetics-decatur-to-marshall-1.jpg"},"articleSection":"Missions","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 Directorates","Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate","Common Exploration Systems Development Division","Space Launch System (SLS)","Artemis","Artemis 4","Humans in Space","Marshall Space Flight Center"],"dateCreated":"2024-03-13T17:30:55Z","datePublished":"2024-03-13T17:30:55Z","dateModified":"2024-03-21T21:49:13Z"},"rendered":"<meta name=\"parsely-title\" content=\"Adapter for Future NASA SLS Flights Readied for Testing\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-link\" content=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/image-article\/evolved-adapter-for-future-nasa-sls-flights-readied-for-testing\/\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-type\" content=\"post\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-image-url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/msfc-022224-usa-dta-shipment-from-dynetics-decatur-to-marshall-1.jpg?w=150&h=150&crop=1\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-pub-date\" content=\"2024-03-13T17:30:55Z\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-section\" content=\"Missions\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-tags\" content=\"NASA Directorates,Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate,Common Exploration Systems Development Division,Space Launch System (SLS),Artemis,Artemis 4,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":2,"featured_image":{"id":631311,"file":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/msfc-022224-usa-dta-shipment-from-dynetics-decatur-to-marshall-1.jpg","title":"msfc-022224-usa-dta-shipment-from-dynetics-decatur-to-marshall-1","alt":"A test version of the universal stage adapter for the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket for Artemis 4 is seen inside Marshall Space Flight Center\u2019s facility in Huntsville, Alabama. The adapter sits on a yellow piece of hardware. There is an American flag hanging on the wall to the right and the word \u201cLeidos\u201d is painted black on the white adapter.","caption":"A test version of the universal stage adapter for NASA\u2019s more powerful version of its SLS (Space Launch System) rocket arrived to Building 4619 at NASA\u2019s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, Feb. 22 from Leidos in Decatur, Alabama. The universal stage adapter will connect the rocket\u2019s upgraded in-space propulsion stage, called the exploration upper stage, to NASA\u2019s Orion spacecraft as part of the evolved Block 1B configuration of the SLS rocket. It will also serve as a compartment capable of accommodating large payloads, such as modules or other exploration spacecraft. The SLS Block 1B variant will debut on Artemis IV and will increase SLS\u2019s payload capability to send more than 84,000 pounds to the Moon in a single launch.\n\nIn Building 4619\u2019s Load Test Annex High Bay at Marshall, the development test article will first undergo modal testing that will shake the hardware to validate dynamic models. Later, during ultimate load testing, force will be applied vertically and to the sides of the hardware. Unlike the flight hardware, the development test article has flaws intentionally included in its design, which will help engineers verify that the adapter can withstand the extreme forces it will face during launch and flight. The test article joins an already-rich history of rocket hardware that has undergone high-and-low pressure, acoustic, and extreme temperature testing in the multipurpose, high-bay test facility; it will be tested in the same location that once bent, compressed, and torqued the core stage intertank test article for SLS rocket\u2019s Block 1 configuration. Leidos, the prime contractor for the universal stage adapter, manufactured the full-scale prototype at its Aerospace Structures Complex in Decatur.\n\nNASA is working to land the first woman, first person of color, and its first international partner astronaut on the Moon under Artemis. SLS is part of NASA\u2019s backbone for deep space exploration, along with the Orion spacecraft and Gateway in orbit around the Moon and commercial human landing systems, next-generational spacesuits, and rovers on the lunar surface. SLS is the only rocket that can send Orion, astronauts, and supplies to the Moon in a single launch."},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/image-article\/631307"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/image-article"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/image-article"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/35"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/image-article\/631307\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":635760,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/image-article\/631307\/revisions\/635760"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/631311"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=631307"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=631307"},{"taxonomy":"news-tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news-tags?post=631307"},{"taxonomy":"internal-terms","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/internal-terms?post=631307"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=631307"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}