Exploration Ground Systems

NASA’s Crawler Transporter 2 was originally designed to carry Saturn V rockets during the Apollo program nearly 60 years ago. The aging giant recently got a much-needed upgrade for supporting the Artemis SLSmegarocket, beating its twin…

The pre-existing liquid hydrogen tank at Kennedy Space Center, which holds roughly 50% less LH2 than the planned storage tank.Photo: NASA/Ben SmegelskyPreparations for the crewed Artemis 2 trip to the Moon are in full swing, with NASA…

Orion gazes back at the Moon, on December 7, 2022.Photo: NASAAll good things come to an end, including NASA’s wildly successful Artemis 1 mission to the Moon and back. At least, it’s been successful so far, as Orion must still perform a…

The Artemis 1 recovery team during a practice exercise on December 2, 2022. Photo: NASAShould all go as planned, NASA’s Orion spacecraft will splash down off the coast of Baja, California, on Sunday, December 11 at 12:40 p.m. ET. As the…

Photo: NASA/Keegan BarberThe most anticipated launch of the year has finally happened, so it gives us great pleasure to show you some of the more memorable moments from this historic event. NASA’s most powerful rocket ever, Space Launch…

SLS on the launch pad at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo: NASAThe fourth and most recent attempt at a full launch rehearsal of NASA’s Space Launch System went reasonably well, and despite some lingering issues and uncertainties,…

NASA’s Space Launch System on the launch pad at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo: NASANASA wrapped up its fourth wet dress rehearsal of the Space Launch System yesterday, during which time ground teams achieved a number of key test…

NASA’s Space Launch System is once again standing proud on the launch pad at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The gigantic rocket is being prepared for its inaugural launch, but the space agency must first succeed at completing a full…

NASA’s SLS rocket outside the Vehicle Assembly Building on March 17, 2022. Photo: NASA/Kim ShiflettA fourth attempt to complete a full-fledged launch rehearsal of NASA’s Space Launch System has been slated for June. NASA’s ground teams…

NASA’s SLS rocket as seen through the windows of Firing Room One in the Rocco A. Petrone Launch Control Center at Kennedy Space Center, Florida. Photo: NASA/Joel KowskyNASA will attempt another countdown rehearsal of the Space Launch…