Orion spacecraft prepared for lunar mission as stacking with SLS rocket achieved
by Simon Mansfield
Sydney, Australia (SPX) Oct 25, 2025

NASA's Exploration Ground Systems team has completed the stacking and integration of the Lockheed Martin-developed Orion spacecraft, named Integrity, with the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket in High Bay 3 at Kennedy Space Center. The operation took place on October 19, marking a significant milestone as the agencies prepare for the crewed Artemis II mission to the Moon.

Electrical, data, and umbilical connections are now being established between Orion and the SLS, enabling comprehensive integrated tests before the full launch assembly is rolled out to Pad 39B for a wet dress rehearsal next year.

"Integration of SLS and Orion represents a major milestone in our progress on Artemis," stated Acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy. "Soon, we will be launching four astronauts around the Moon for the first time in over half a century on Artemis II - the latest demonstration of American dominance in space."

Robert Lightfoot, president of Lockheed Martin Space, remarked, "The full stack of Orion on the SLS is a truly spectacular sight. Our teams have been working tirelessly to finalize these last steps and ensure Orion takes the crew to the Moon and brings them home safely."

The Artemis II mission, currently scheduled for launch no earlier than February 2026 with possible windows through April 2026, will last 10 days and marks the first crewed flight in the Artemis program, forming a key part of establishing a long-term lunar presence for science and exploration.

Orion, considered the most advanced human-rated deep space spacecraft to date, has been built by Lockheed Martin as the prime contractor to NASA. The company produced the crew module, its adaptor, and the launch abort system designed to protect crew safety throughout the mission.

Related Links
Lockheed Martin
Mars News and Information at MarsDaily.com
Lunar Dreams and more