As part of the monumental effort to return humans to the Moon through NASA’s Artemis program, the Space Launch System (SLS) is set to play a pivotal role in propelling astronauts to the lunar frontier. The rocket’s liquid oxygen tank, which has recently completed welding, represents the final key structure to form the SLS rocket’s core stage designated for the Artemis III mission. This mission is unique, aiming to deliver astronauts to the lunar South Pole. At the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, in the Vertical Assembly Center, the 51-foot tall liquid oxygen tank’s structure underwent its welding completion on January 8th.
The SLS’s companion propellant tank, designed to store liquid hydrogen, also stands as a fully welded entity. NASA, along with its contractor Boeing – in charge of the SLS core stage – is in the middle of preparing this tank using a specialized area of the Vertical Assembly Building identified as the Building 131 cryogenic tank thermal protection system and primer application complex. This critical internal cleansing wrapped up on November 14th.
The creation of the hardware involves a series of deliberate steps, including initial welding, methodical cleaning, and ultimately, sophisticated outfitting. The cleaning process acts like a comprehensive bath, essential in preventing contaminants from impacting the stage’s intricate propulsion and engine systems. After cleansing, an automated robotic apparatus applies a primer to the tank’s barrel section and domes’ external areas. A subsequent layer of thermal protection foam is applied, which plays a dual role in countering the extreme temperatures experienced during the flight and maintaining the propellant’s significantly low temperatures.
“We are actively processing key elements for multiple SLS rockets at Michoud to support the expansive Artemis campaign,” stated Chad Bryant, the acting head of the Stages Office for NASA’s SLS Program. “The Artemis II core stage is nearing its final stages, while the principal structures of the Artemis III SLS core stage are following suit on the production line.”
The enormous propellant tanks are tasked with holding a colossal 733,000 gallons of super-chilled propellant essential for fueling the four RS-25 engines. Controlling the propellant’s temperature is critical for its stability as a liquid.
The core stage, in synergy with the RS-25 engines, will generate a staggering two million pounds of thrust, a necessity for propelling NASA’s Orion crew module, astronauts, and cargo beyond Earth and onto the Moon’s surface for the Artemis III journey. Uniquely, SLS is the sole rocket capable of sending Orion, crew, and cargo to the Moon in a single mission.
As part of the Artemis missions, NASA is committed to landing astronauts – including the milestone achievements of the first woman and first astronaut of color – on the Moon for scientific, economic, and beyond-Earth mission preparation purposes. Components like the SLS, Orion spacecraft, Exploration Ground Systems, advanced spacesuits, rovers, Gateway, and human landing systems are all integral to NASA’s deep space exploration efforts.
For additional information on SLS, visit:
https://www.nasa.gov/humans-in-space/space-launch-system/
Corinne Beckinger
Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Ala.
256.544.0034
corinne.m.beckinger@nasa.gov
FAQs About NASA’s Artemis III SLS Rocket Propellant Tanks
- What is the purpose of the Artemis III mission?
The Artemis III mission is aimed at landing astronauts, including the first woman and person of color, on the Moon’s South Pole for exploration, scientific research, and preparation for future Mars missions. - What are the tanks being assembled at Michoud Assembly Facility?
The tanks being assembled are the rocket’s liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen tanks, which serve as core components of the SLS rocket’s core stage. - Why is the proper cleaning of the tanks necessary?
Proper cleaning is necessary to prevent contaminants that could interfere with the propulsion and engine systems, maintaining the integrity and safety of the mission. - Can the SLS rocket carry astronauts and cargo to the Moon on its own?
Yes, the SLS rocket is the only rocket currently capable of sending the Orion spacecraft, astronauts, and cargo to the Moon in a single launch.
Conclusion
The advancements in the construction of propellant tanks for NASA’s Artemis III mission signify a paramount step towards fulfilling a renewed era of lunar exploration. With the major structures of the SLS’s core stage now ready for further outfitting, the dream of returning to the Moon is fast becoming a reality. The technical prowess and meticulous preparation showcased in this phase of the Artemis campaign underscore the ambitious goals set forth by NASA and its international partners, paving the way for the future exploration of deep space.