Upgraded Spacecraft Delivered, Preparations
for 2026 Launch Underway
DENVER, May 1, 2025
/PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] has completed
assembly and testing of NASA's Orion Artemis II spacecraft,
transferring possession to NASA's Exploration Ground Systems (EGS)
team today. This milestone is a significant step for NASA and the
Artemis industry team, as they prepare to launch a crew of four
astronauts to further the agency's mission in establishing a human
presence on the Moon for exploration and scientific discovery. It
will also help build the foundation for the first crewed missions
to Mars.
Orion is the most advanced, human-rated, deep space spacecraft
ever developed. Lockheed Martin is the prime contractor to NASA for
Orion and built the crew module, crew module adaptor and launch
abort system.
"This achievement is a testament to our employees and suppliers
who have worked tirelessly to get us to this important milestone,"
said Kirk Shireman, vice president
of Human Space Exploration and Orion program manager at Lockheed
Martin. "The Orion spacecraft completion for Artemis II is a major
step forward in our nation's efforts to develop a long-term lunar
presence. It's exciting to think that soon, humans will see the
Earth rise over the lunar horizon from our vehicle, while also
traveling farther from Earth than ever before."
Upgraded for Crew Onboard
The uncrewed EFT-1 and
Artemis I test flights were the first steps in validating the
spacecraft's core systems. Artemis II will put Orion through its
final tests in deep space with a crew on board and will include
learnings and significant enhancements gleaned from the Artemis I
mission.
To support the health and safety of the crew, new
systems have been added, which include life support – air,
water, thermal control, waste management – displays and controls,
audio communications, an exercise machine and a fully functional
Launch Abort System. Additionally, the vehicle is outfitted with a
subset of docking sensors and an experimental laser communication
system, enabling high data-rate communications and paving the way
for future missions.
Path to Launch
With the completion of Orion, the EGS
team will perform final preparations on the spacecraft, readying it
for launch. Orion will soon be moved from the Neil Armstrong
Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center to
various processing facilities. This is where EGS will load
propellants and other consumables, such as water and oxygen, and
install the launch abort system and its protective fairings. Upon
completion, it will then be transported to the Vehicle Assembly
Building, lifted onto the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and
undergo final preparations for launch.
Historic Artemis Flight
Scheduled to launch in early
2026, Artemis II and the Orion spacecraft will host NASA astronauts
Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina
Koch and Canadian astronaut Jeremy
Hansen. Their 10-day journey will include flying 4,600 miles
beyond the Moon and back to Earth.
During the mission, the crew will evaluate the spacecraft's
performance, test its navigation and communication systems, and
conduct a series of scientific experiments. They will perform a
rendezvous operation with the SLS upper stage, practicing docking
activities needed for future missions including Artemis III – which
will mark the first human lunar landing since Apollo 17 in
1972.
With work on Orion for Artemis II completed, Lockheed Martin
continues to develop and assemble Orion spacecraft for future
Artemis missions. Artemis III and IV vehicles are in the Operations
and Checkout Building, while the pressure vessel is being welded at
NASA's Michoud Facility in New
Orleans. Lockheed Martin is on contract to develop
Orion spacecraft up to Artemis VIII and has decreased cost with
each vehicle.
More information about Orion:
- Lockheed Martin Orion page:
https://www.lockheedmartin.com/orion
- NASA Orion page: https://www.nasa.gov/orion
- NASA Artemis II page:
https://www.nasa.gov/mission/artemis-ii
About Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin is a global
defense technology company driving innovation and advancing
scientific discovery. Our all-domain mission solutions and 21st
Century Security vision accelerate the delivery of transformative
technologies to ensure those we serve always stay ahead of ready.
More information at Lockheedmartin.com.
View original content to download
multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lockheed-martin-completes-orion-development-for-artemis-ii-mission-to-the-moon-302444425.html
SOURCE Lockheed Martin
