NASA Prepares Artemis II Rocket with Crew Upgrades for Lunar Flight

Written by Copernical Team Tuesday, 23 September 2025 08:41

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Los Angeles CA (SPX) Sep 22, 2025

NASA's Artemis II Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, which will send four astronauts on a mission around the Moon next year, has been upgraded with new safety and performance enhancements. While structurally similar to the Artemis I rocket, the latest version incorporates lessons learned from its uncrewed predecessor. Artemis I proved SLS's precision and strength, with its first flight exce

NASA Prepares Artemis II Rocket with Crew Upgrades for Lunar Flight
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Sep 22, 2025

NASA's Artemis II Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, which will send four astronauts on a mission around the Moon next year, has been upgraded with new safety and performance enhancements. While structurally similar to the Artemis I rocket, the latest version incorporates lessons learned from its uncrewed predecessor.

Artemis I proved SLS's precision and strength, with its first flight exceeding expectations for control and stability while returning extensive data for engineers. For Artemis II, NASA kept the main components - the core stage, RS-25 engines, solid rocket boosters, and the interim cryogenic propulsion stage (ICPS) - but introduced refinements across systems.

The ICPS now carries optical targets to aid astronauts in practicing docking maneuvers for future missions. A redesigned navigation system and relocated antennas will improve Orion's communication links with Earth. An emergency detection system on the ICPS will alert the crew to anomalies, while an updated flight safety system includes a delay in self-destruct to allow Orion's escape system to function.

Engineers also adjusted booster separation mechanics, angling the separation motors 15 degrees and initiating jettison four seconds earlier than in Artemis I. This will provide data on payload efficiency, with projections suggesting a gain of 1,600 pounds of payload to orbit in future flights.

To counter vibration levels observed on Artemis I, NASA added strakes near booster attachment points and requalified rocket electronics to withstand higher forces. The rocket's power distribution control unit also was upgraded to better manage electrical loads and hazards.

These modifications aim to ensure a smoother ascent and safer crewed mission. Artemis II's 10-day flight will be the first with astronauts under the Artemis program, paving the way for lunar surface expeditions and preparing for eventual missions to Mars.