In the last part, we reported on the completion of static load tests of the HALO habitable module for the Gateway lunar orbital space station. In a preview photo from late October, HALO is back in the integration bay, with cylindrical segments for the Euro-Japan Lunar I-Hab module in the background. Both of its opposite end walls will now apparently be attached to the HALO module. Transport of the module from Thales Alenia Space’s manufacturing facility to prime contractor Northrop Grumman’s facility in Gilbert, Texas, has slipped to early 2025. Installation of fluid piping and other subsystems will begin in Gilbert. The module will be subjected to tests in a thermal vacuum chamber and then the assembly of the equipment will proceed. Readiness for joint launch with the PPE module by the Falcon Heavy rocket is estimated at the end of 2027.
Nine candidate landing areas for the Artemis 3 mission
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Artemis 3
As early as September 2026, NASA is planning the Artemis 3 mission, during which the lunar lander Starship should land with a two-man crew in the south polar region of the Moon. However, the deadline is highly unrealistic and the postponement is imminent.
NASA has narrowed the number of potential areas near the Moon’s south pole for Starship landings from thirteen to nine. In each area, there are several potential locations where the Starship could land. The site selection team collaborated with scientific and industrial partners to identify the areas. The areas were assessed for scientific value and mission availability.
The South Pole of the Moon has a completely different environment than the places where the astronauts landed during the Apollo missions. Areas near the South Pole offer access to some of the oldest terrain on the Moon, as well as permanently shadowed areas that may contain water and other compounds.
Factors in the selection process included the scientific potential of the area, the availability of the launch window, the suitability of the terrain, communication capabilities with Earth, and lighting conditions. The geological team evaluated the landing areas for their geological characteristics. Selected areas will continue to be explored and evaluated for scientific benefit and technical landing possibilities.
Axiom Space’s Artemis mission spacesuit flight design unveiled October 16, 2024
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The selection of specific locations in the areas will depend on the target launch date, which also depends on the specific flight path and light conditions on the surface.
Interestingly, an area that has attracted much attention in the past, the Connecting Ridge adjacent to Shackleton Crater, has dropped out of of the original list. The nearby Connecting Ridge Extension and Peak Near Shackleton are also no longer on the list. Meanwhile, this area has been chosen for the landing of China’s Chang’e 7 probe, which is expected to head here in 2026. Chang’e 8 is also expected to reach the South Pole in 2028.
At the Starbase, preparations continue for another Starship, usable for the Artemis 3 mission. The IFT-6 flight is planned for November 18, 2024, during which SpaceX will attempt to restart the Raptor engine. The purpose of the ignition is to demonstrate the key deorbital ignition capability required for Starship’s first orbital flight. It could be his turn during the seventh test mission.
For March 2025, SpaceX is preparing to launch a demonstration campaign of cryogenic propellant transfer between two Starships in Earth orbit. The campaign is to be started by spawning the target Starship after launching from the Starbase. A longer space flight of the target Starship is intended to provide data to characterize some parameters of its capabilities.
Visualization of propellant transfer in low Earth orbit
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After several weeks, a chase Starship is to be launched from the Starbase, from which fuel is to be transferred to the target Starship. The main objective of the test will be to verify how much fuel can be pumped over and how much will evaporate. Based on the test results, NASA and SpaceX plan to conduct a detailed review of the CDR in the summer of 2025.
The hydrogen tank, covered with primer paint, was taken out of cell P on 20 May 2024
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Orion and its SLS Block 1 launch vehicle are being prepared to launch a crew of four into lunar orbit as part of the Artemis 3 mission. While the protective layer of Avcoat material on Orion’s heat shield will need to be repaired or replaced, the production of parts for the center stage of the SLS rocket is not an issue with affected by Orion’s heat shield.
A liquid hydrogen tank is prepared in Cell N of Building 131 at the Michoud Assembly Facility for the automated application of exterior spray foam insulation. However, when spraying began, a problem was identified with the tools that perform the application. The application speed of the spray spray is coordinated with the rotation speed of the tank in the RATT rotary device. And here a discrepancy was found. The workers of the supplier company immediately set about repairing the tools. After the repair, the foam injection will be restored.
The production process of the liquid oxygen tank is several months behind the hydrogen tank. Installation of internal perforated sheet baffles was completed in the tank, and on October 11, the tank was placed in Cleaning Cell E in Building 110. In the cell, the inside of the tank was washed so that no debris remained inside. After the dirt has been removed, access to the inside of the tank will only be in clean areas.
Oxygen tank in cell E, October 11, 2024
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The next step in the production of the tank is the installation of flight sensors in building 103. After that, the tank will be moved to cell P in building 131 to be robotically primed. Finally, in cell N of building 131, a layer of thermal insulation foam will be applied to the outer surface of the tank.
Engine section for Artemis 3, 30 October 2024
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Progress was also noted in the preparation of the engine section in the SSPF building at the Kennedy Space Center. On October 30, technicians finished bolting her lower part. Installation of four thrust vector control platforms and five COPV helium cylinders for the pneumatic system is also completed.
Another activity is the welding of supply pipes and the integration of cable harnesses between the two parts. Bonding of the cork protective layer will also continue on the outer surface of the engine section. It will finally be painted white.
Artemis 4
During the Artemis 4 mission, the Lunar I-Hab international habitable module is to be transported to the initial Gateway in addition to the crewed Orion.
As part of the development of the EUS upper stage for the SLS Block 1B launch vehicle assigned to this mission, a non-flight proof prototype of the hydrogen tank of this new upper stage was welded at the VAC welding facility at the Michoud Assembly Facility. However, the specimen did not have to be welded in its entirety. To verify the structural integrity of the welds, it consisted of only the front dome and one cylindrical part. The welded specimen was removed from the welder, and in October the VAC was already available to weld parts for the central stage, assigned to the Artemis 4 mission.
In the foreground, the engine section for Artemis 4 and in the background for Artemis 3 in the SSPF building, 30 October 2024
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In November, VAC plans to weld the upper and lower rings to the front flange structure for the central stage. Welding of the hydrogen tank is to begin in December. After its completion, it is planned that the oxygen tank for the central stage will also be welded in the spring of 2025.
The Intertank is still in its structural assembly fixture in Building 103. It is scheduled to be moved to Cell G in Building 114 for application of exterior foam insulation in December.
The engine section was transported by Pegasus shuttle from the MAF factory to Kennedy Space Center on 5 September. Since there was no free space in the SSPF building at the time, the engine section was temporarily stored in the main corridor of the VAB assembly hall. Meanwhile, at SSPF, the engine section for Artemis 3 was joined to its underbody. This freed up space in the building and the engine section for Artemis 4 was moved here on October 15. It is now continuing to be fitted with internal systems.
The ML-2 Mobile Launch Platform is being assembled to support the launch of the SLS Block 1B rocket at the staging area near the VAB assembly hall at the Kennedy Space Center. A support for the tower was assembled at the base of the platform in October. Using two cranes, the teams gradually lifted each side of the support and placed it on the base. Structural assembly of the support began on October 20 and was completed on October 25. The teams thus came closer to the next big milestone – the manipulation and connection of the first tower module. According to Bechtel, this should happen by the end of this year.
ML-2 mobile launch platform with turret support, 25 October 2024
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Following the launch of the previous Artemis 3 mission, existing access platforms will need to be reconfigured and new platforms installed to support the integration of the SLS Block 1B launch vehicle in the VAB assembly hall. NASA is currently planning a two-year hiatus between the Artemis 3 and Artemis 4 missions.
Artemis 5
Against the background of budget issues and the high cost of the individual Artemis missions, there is some activity in favor of the Artemis 5 mission.
On the Artemis 5 mission, the European Lunar View module is to be attached to the Gateway
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On October 14, representatives of ESA and Thales Alenia Space signed an amendment to the contract, which increased the value of the contract for the production of the Lunar View module by EUR 164 million. The supplement contractually ensures the increase in size of the Lunar View, which we wrote about two years ago. According to ESA, the module enlargement was made possible by NASA’s decision to launch Lunar View along with Orion on an SLS Block 1B launch vehicle, which allows a heavier module to be delivered to Gateway than previously planned commercial launch vehicles.
Under the SPEC (Stages Production and Evolution Contract) and its amendments, Boeing has completed and delivered two center stages for SLS rockets, is manufacturing the center stages for Artemis 3 and Artemis 4, and is procuring materials for the production of the fifth center stage.
NASA originally planned to enter into a commercial EPOC (Exploration Production and Operations Contract) this year with Deep Space Transport (a joint venture between Boeing and Northrop Grumman) to manufacture and operate the SLS launch vehicles for Artemis 5 through Artemis 9. However, this did not happen . While the EPOC situation is in limbo, NASA entered into another SPEC contract amendment with Boeing in October 2024. This time, however, the supplement was not negotiated for the entire production and delivery of the central stage.
Based on the amendment, Boeing is scheduled to begin welding the engine section cylindrical structure and bolting the intertank for the fifth central stage in the first quarter of 2025 at the Michoud Assembly Facility from the purchased panels. The panels for both parts have already been delivered to MAF. With access IDIQwhich stands for Indeterminate Quantity Delivery, NASA may (or may not) order additional production work on the stage. Any scope and price of the work would be negotiated on an ongoing basis in the orders.
At MAF, welding of the Orion cabin for Artemis 5 could be completed by this time. In July 2024, the last three welds of a total of seven remained to be completed. So it’s only a matter of time before NASA releases photos of the cabin.
Sources of information:
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https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2024/11/core-stage-facility-expansion/
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https://x.com/
https://www.thalesaleniaspace.com/
Nerds in Space: NASA’s Artemis Program Update!
Gather round, aspiring astronauts and space enthusiasts! Let’s dive into the latest developments from NASA’s Artemis program, a saga filled with more twists and turns than a Lee Evans stand-up routine!
HALO-ing in Midair!
First up, we’ve got the HALO habitable module for the Gateway lunar space station. Now, I know what you’re thinking: “HALO? Is that the game where I run around shooting aliens?” Not quite. This HALO is less about saving the universe and more about keeping people alive in space. The module is currently back in the integration bay, mixing it up with its cylindrical buddies, the Euro-Japan Lunar I-Hab segments. It’s like a space disco in there!
But let’s get real for a moment: transporting this module has slipped to early 2025. That’s not a delay; that’s a space sloth! But don’t worry; after the testing in Gilbert, Texas, they’ll finally get it ready to launch with the PPE module by the end of 2027. Yes, you heard that right – mark your calendars: 2027, when we finally see a rocket launch that isn’t accompanied by the words “subject to delays.”
Artemis 3: The Moon’s New Hangout Spot!
The excitement continues with Artemis 3! Scheduled for September 2026 (or as I like to call it, “The Year of Maybe”), NASA plans for the Starship to land with a two-man crew in the lunar south pole region. Now, I can’t help but think, “What’s the rush? It’s not like the Moon is going anywhere – *yet*.”
NASA has narrowed down landing spots near the Moon’s south pole. These sites are like the hip new bars where no one can find parking. They were chosen based on scientific value, light conditions, and communication capabilities. Because we all know how important it is to have Wi-Fi when you’re moonwalking! But hold your horses, folks! The word on the street is the timeline is “highly unrealistic.” So, keep your helmets on—postponement is imminent!
Chinese Resilience: Chang’e 7 and 8
Speaking of postponements, China is strutting around planning to land its Chang’e 7 probe in the same unclaimed territory. I guess the old saying holds true: “Finders keepers!” They plan to touch down in 2026, followed by Chang’e 8 in 2028. It’s a lunar race, and who doesn’t love a bit of competition, especially when it involves major delays? Game on!
Starship: Houston, We Have a Party to Launch!
While Artemis has its delays, SpaceX is gearing up for the IFT-6 flight test of Starship. It’s slated for November 18, 2024, and they’ll finally attempt to restart the Raptor Engine. Hopefully, it doesn’t end up being the cosmic equivalent of a group project where no one wants to do the work!
Welding Wizards: Oh, The Drama!
Moving on, we have Orion and its brave crew all set for their lunar orbit adventure. But wait—there’s drama in the assembly hall! The tool company responsible for spray-painting the hydrogen tank accidentally produced a flaw—*cue dramatic music*. But don’t panic; workers are on it faster than a raccoon on a trash can! And let’s hope the propulsion works well because the stakes couldn’t be higher with Artemis 3 looking for a decent launch window.
Something’s Brewing with Artemis 5
Now, onto the looming budget issues for Artemis 5. Representatives from ESA and Thales Alenia Space recently signed a juicy contract amendment that added €164 million to the Lunar View module. That’s one way to say, “We need more money!” Imagine negotiating your salary and just throwing in a “Oh, and can you make it a round €164 million more?” That’d put a smile on anyone’s face.
Especially since it seems like nobody else can catch a break around here. From contracts in limbo to delays printed in the stars, it’s almost like the Artemis program is an elaborate soap opera. Tune in next month to catch the latest twist!
Final Thoughts: A Galactic Comedy!
So, dear readers, let’s keep our fingers crossed that NASA manages to stick to their deadlines—mostly for their sanity! Meanwhile, let’s remember the key takeaway: space exploration is about as reliable as British weather—sometimes clear skies, often cloudy with a chance of postponements! But hey, if you can’t laugh about it, what’s the point?
Catch you in orbit next time!
In our previous report, we highlighted the successful completion of static load tests for the HALO habitable module, a crucial component of the Gateway lunar orbital space station. Recent images taken in late October reveal that HALO has returned to the integration bay, where it stands alongside cylindrical segments designed for the Euro-Japan Lunar I-Hab module in the background. As the project progresses, the attachment of both opposite end walls to the HALO module is now set to take place. Meanwhile, the transport of the HALO module from Thales Alenia Space’s manufacturing facility to Northrop Grumman’s facility in Gilbert, Texas, has been delayed and is now expected to occur in early 2025. Once it reaches Gilbert, the module will undergo installation of fluid piping and various subsystems. Following these installations, it will be rigorously tested in a thermal vacuum chamber before assembly of additional equipment commences. The estimated timeline indicates readiness for a joint launch with the Power and Propulsion Element (PPE) module via the Falcon Heavy rocket by the end of 2027.
Artemis 3
NASA is aiming for the Artemis 3 mission to be launched as early as September 2026, during which the lunar lander Starship is expected to deliver a two-man crew to the Moon’s south polar region. However, industry insiders express concerns that this ambitious target may be unrealistic and that a postponement is likely in the cards.
The agency has refined its list of possible Starship landing zones near the Moon’s south pole, trimming it down from thirteen to nine distinct regions. Each of these designated areas contains several potential landing sites for Starship, selected through careful collaboration with scientific and industrial partners. The site selection team meticulously evaluated these areas based on their scientific significance and availability for mission purposes.
It’s noteworthy that the South Pole of the Moon presents a drastically different environment compared to locations visited by astronauts during the famous Apollo missions. The areas adjacent to the South Pole are believed to contain access to some of the Moon’s oldest geological formations, alongside permanently shadowed regions that may harbor water and other valuable compounds.
Key factors influencing the selection process included the scientific potential of each area, the timing of launch opportunities, the suitability of the terrain, the quality of communication capabilities with Earth, and the lighting conditions at the proposed landing sites. Geological teams have rigorously assessed these landing sites to ensure their geological characteristics meet mission requirements.
The determination of specific landing locations within these areas will depend heavily on factors such as the targeted launch date, specific flight path considerations, and the lighting conditions present on the Moon’s surface.
Interestingly, the Connecting Ridge, a site that has generated significant interest in the past, has been removed from the original candidate list for landing sites. Other nearby options, including the Connecting Ridge Extension and Peak Near Shackleton, have also been excised from consideration. This decision coincides with China’s Chang’e 7 probe, which is expected to target this same area for its 2026 mission, with Chang’e 8 set to follow and arrive at the South Pole in 2028.
Preparations are underway at Starbase for another iteration of Starship, designated for the Artemis 3 mission. The IFT-6 test flight is slated for November 18, 2024, during which SpaceX aims to reignite the Raptor engine. This critical ignition test is designed to demonstrate the essential deorbital ignition capability required for Starship’s inaugural orbital flight.
As early as March 2025, SpaceX is gearing up for a demonstration campaign focused on cryogenic propellant transfer between two Starship vehicles orbiting Earth. This campaign aims to enhance knowledge regarding the operational capabilities of Starship by monitoring fuel transfer based on a longer-duration space flight of the designated target Starship.
In the coming weeks, a following Starship will launch from Starbase to conduct the fuel transfer with the target Starship. This test is vital for verifying the volume of fuel that can be successfully transferred and determining how much may be lost to evaporation. Subsequent to the test outcomes, NASA and SpaceX will conduct a comprehensive review during the Critical Design Review (CDR) planned for summer 2025.
The preparation of Orion and its SLS Block 1 launch vehicle is progressing, with plans to send a crew of four into lunar orbit for the Artemis 3 mission. An important task will involve repairing or replacing the protective Avcoat layer on Orion’s heat shield, though the production of the center stage components for the SLS rocket remains unaffected by this repair work.
A liquid hydrogen tank is currently in the early stages of preparation at Cell N of Building 131 at the Michoud Assembly Facility, where it is set to receive an automated application of exterior spray foam insulation. During the initial spraying process, a significant issue arose with the tools responsible for this application, prompting immediate repairs by the supplier company. Once these repairs are finalized, operations for foam application will resume.
Meanwhile, the production timeline for the liquid oxygen tank is lagging by several months behind that of the hydrogen tank. Internal installation of perforated baffles was completed in the oxygen tank, and on October 11, it was transferred to Cleaning Cell E in Building 110 for thorough cleaning, ensuring no debris remains before adding internal components. Access to the tank’s interior will be restricted to clean environments moving forward.
Following the cleaning process, the next major step in tank production involves installing flight sensors in Building 103. Subsequently, the tank is scheduled to be moved back to Cell P in Building 131 for robotic priming. The final phase will include the application of thermal insulation foam to the tank’s exterior surface.
In the SSPF building at Kennedy Space Center, there is notable progress surrounding the engine section for Artemis 3. On October 30, technicians completed bolting the lower section, while also concluding the installation of four thrust vector control platforms and five COPV helium cylinders integral to the pneumatic system.
Significant activities are also taking place regarding the welding of supply pipes and integrating cable harnesses across the two segments of the engine section. The bonding of the cork protective layer will continue, followed by a final white paint application to complete the outer surface.
Artemis 4
During the upcoming Artemis 4 mission, the Lunar I-Hab international habitable module is set to be delivered to the Gateway alongside a crewed Orion spacecraft.
As part of the development initiative for the EUS upper stage, intended for incorporation in the SLS Block 1B launch vehicle dedicated to this mission, a non-flight test prototype of the hydrogen tank has been successfully welded at the VAC facility within the Michoud Assembly Facility. It is important to note that this specimen was not entirely welded; it consists solely of the front dome and one cylindrical segment, aiming to assess the structural integrity of the welds.
With the recent completion of the welded prototype, the VAC will proceed with welding components designated for the central stage associated with the Artemis 4 mission.
In November, the VAC is slated to commence welding the upper and lower rings along with the front flange structure that forms part of the central stage. The welding of the hydrogen tank is scheduled for December, followed by plans to fabricate the oxygen tank for the central stage in the spring of 2025.
The Intertank remains positioned within its structural assembly fixture located in Building 103 and is slated to be transferred to Cell G in Building 114 for the application of exterior foam insulation in December.
The engine section was transported via the Pegasus shuttle from the Michoud Assembly Facility to the Kennedy Space Center on September 5. Upon arrival, the engine section was temporarily stored in the main corridor of the VAB assembly hall due to a lack of available space in the SSPF building. In the interim, the engine section for Artemis 3 received underbody integration, thus clearing space for the Artemis 4 engine section, which was moved to SSPF on October 15 for continued internal systems fitting.
The dynamic assembly of the ML-2 Mobile Launch Platform is currently underway, set to facilitate the launch of the SLS Block 1B rocket at the staging area neighboring the VAB assembly hall at Kennedy Space Center. In October, a support structure for the platform’s tower was assembled, marking a significant step forward in the overall construction. Utilizing two cranes, teams successfully lifted and positioned each side of the support structure with completion achieved on October 25. This accomplishment brings the teams closer to a critical milestone—the manipulation and connection of the first tower module, which is projected to occur by year’s end.
Following the launch of Artemis 3, substantial modifications will be required for the existing access platforms, alongside the addition of new platforms to support the integration of the SLS Block 1B launch vehicle within the VAB assembly hall. NASA anticipates a two-year gap between the Artemis 3 and Artemis 4 missions.
Artemis 5
Despite ongoing budgetary challenges and rising costs associated with the Artemis missions, there remains notable momentum surrounding the Artemis 5 initiative.
On October 14, representatives from ESA and Thales Alenia Space formalized an amendment to the existing contract which results in a €164 million increase for the production of the Lunar View module. This contract modification not only affirms the scaling up of the Lunar View project, as extensively detailed two years ago, but has been made possible by NASA’s decision to launch the module concurrently with Orion using the SLS Block 1B vehicle. This adjustment facilitates the transportation of a larger Lunar View module than previously feasible through commercial launch options.
Through the SPEC (Stages Production and Evolution Contract), Boeing has successfully completed and delivered two center stages for SLS rockets and is in the process of manufacturing for both Artemis 3 and Artemis 4 stages, while also securing materials for the forthcoming fifth center stage.
Originally, NASA planned to finalize a commercial EPOC (Exploration Production and Operations Contract) this year with the joint venture Deep Space Transport, a collaboration of Boeing and Northrop Grumman, for the manufacture and operation of SLS launch vehicles spanning Artemis missions 5 through 9. However, these plans remains unresolved. As a result of the ongoing situation with the EPOC, NASA has entered into another amendment of the SPEC contract with Boeing in October 2024, though this revision did not cover the full production and delivery of the central stage.
This amendment dictates that Boeing will initiate the welding of the engine section cylindrical structure and intertank bolting for the fifth central stage during the first quarter of 2025 at the Michoud Assembly Facility, utilizing the panels that have already been delivered. Under IDIQ (Indeterminate Quantity Delivery), NASA may choose to authorize additional production efforts related to the stage; the details regarding scope and pricing will be managed through continuous negotiation.
At the Michoud Assembly Facility, the welding of the Orion cabin for Artemis 5 is anticipated to conclude soon. As of July 2024, only three of the seven final welds were pending completion. Consequently, it may only be a matter of time before NASA unveils images of the completed cabin.
Sources of information:
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https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2024/11/core-stage-facility-expansion/
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https://x.com/
https://www.thalesaleniaspace.com/
How will Artemis 5 contribute to the Lunar Surface Innovation initiative and international collaboration in lunar exploration?
G, allowing the continuation of production efforts for Artemis missions 5 through 9 without the completion of a formal EPOC contract.
The Artemis 5 mission is expected to further expand human presence on the Moon, focusing on the Lunar Surface Innovation initiative to test new technologies and systems that will enable sustained exploration. This mission is speculated to include more advanced scientific payloads and potentially a more diverse crew representing international partners.
Furthermore, ongoing discussions are focused on extending partnerships with global agencies, enhancing collaboration on a range of lunar and space exploration projects. As the Artemis program progresses, it aims to not just return astronauts to the Moon, but to establish a sustained human presence that will serve as a stepping stone for future missions to Mars.
Across all Artemis missions, NASA continues to emphasize safety, technological advancement, and international cooperation in its goal to land the next man and the first woman on the lunar surface by 2028, as part of the broader vision for human exploration of Mars and beyond.