NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility Prepares Giant Fuel Tank for Moon Landing Mission
Key Ideas
- NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans prepares a liquid hydrogen tank for the SLS rocket to land astronauts near the Moon's South Pole.
- The tank, measuring 130 feet tall, is being outfitted with critical systems for the designated Artemis III mission in 2027.
- SpaceX's Starship HLS will work in conjunction with NASA's SLS rocket to transport astronauts from lunar orbit to the Moon's surface and back.
- The mission aims to utilize the 8.8 million pounds of thrust from the SLS rocket to propel the mission into lunar orbit for the Moon landing.
Teams at NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans are making significant progress in preparing a giant liquid hydrogen tank for a crucial role in landing astronauts near the Moon's South Pole. The tank, part of NASA's SLS (Space Launch System) rocket, recently underwent the application of the thermal protection system and is now undergoing further outfitting with essential systems for the upcoming Artemis III mission scheduled for 2027. This mission will see SpaceX's Starship HLS, a lunar lander, working alongside NASA's SLS rocket to facilitate astronauts' transfer from lunar orbit to the Moon's surface and back. Leveraging the immense 8.8 million pounds of thrust from the SLS rocket, the mission aims to propel the spacecraft into lunar orbit to enable the historic Moon landing. The cooperation between NASA and SpaceX marks a significant milestone in space exploration, showcasing advancements in technology and collaboration in the ambitious goal of returning humans to the Moon.