NASA's next moon rocket is stacking higher and higher at the Kennedy Space Center, as the SLS stage adapter and interim cryogenic propulsion stage arrive in the VAB.

Originally intended to support the first SLS launch, ... In the Block 1 configuration, the forward skirt supports the LVSA, ICPS, and Orion payload on top.

(Photo Caption: The American flag is seen on the ICPS second stage of the Artemis 1 SLS vehicle while out at Pad 39B on April 21. Issues with connections from ICPS Umbilical on the Mobile Launcher ...

NASA's next moon rocket is stacking higher at the Kennedy Space Center, as the interim cryogenic propulsion stage is added to the launch vehicle.

The current SLS upper stage, known as the Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage, is based on the upper stage used on United Launch Alliance’s Delta 4.

ICPS is the upper stage of NASA’s SLS rocket, which the space agency used to send the Orion spacecraft on an uncrewed trip to the Moon in November 2022 for its Artemis 1 mission.But for the ...

The ICPS being loaded onto the SLS. The SLS itself however is definitely in need of some work. The rocket was brought out to the pad for the first time on March 18th, ...

The delays in the in the WDR and the need to replace the helium valve in the ICPS now put into doubt the ability of SLS to be ready for a launch window that runs from June 6 to 16.

In addition, the SLS core stage inserted the ICPS and Orion into an initial orbit that took the duo up to 972.1 miles (1,564.4 kilometers) from Earth and as close as 16 miles (25.7 km).

The SLS launch is set for no earlier than Aug. 29, but it's been a long journey to the launchpad for the SLS. Related: NASA's massive moon rocket will roll out earlier than planned ...

For Artemis 1, SLS’s job will be to deliver Orion to Earth orbit, from where the capsule can commence on its journey to the Moon. SLS at Launch Complex 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in ...

SLS is a key component of NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to send humans back to the Moon by 2025. The massive rocket will carry the Orion crew capsule, which aims to carry its first ...