NASA’s Space Launch System — the space agency’s most powerful rocket yet — launched on its maiden voyage this morning, with significant contributions from Alabama-based scientists, engineers, technicians, and others
As part of the Artemis mission, the Orion spacecraft is en route to the Moon after a successful launch. Today at 12:47 a.m., SLS lifted off from Launch Pad 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida carrying an unmanned Orion for its first flight test.
NASA stated that the launch marks the beginning of the Artemis 1 mission, during which Orion would travel about 40,000 miles beyond the Moon and return to Earth 25.5 days later.
Officials from Alabama commended the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, which led the design and development of the SLS, as well as Boeing’s Alabama workforce, which has also played a significant part in the program.
“It’s great to see the United States regaining the lead in deep space exploration with the Artemis I program. Governor Kay Ivey stated that it is a source of pride for all Americans and can inspire a new generation of young dreamers to pursue science, mathematics, and technological education.
“Artemis By carrying the first woman and person of color to the moon, I can widen the reach of the future space workshop and demonstrate that space travel is for everyone.”
Greg Canfield, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce, attended the historic launch at Kennedy Space Center.
“The launch of Artemis I is another significant moment in the illustrious history of NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center,” he stated. “From the groundbreaking creation of the Saturn V rocket over half a century ago to the design and construction of the new SLS that will return Artemis to the Moon, thousands of Alabama space workers may take immense pleasure in their contributions to this extraordinary achievement.”
ALABAMA CONTRIBUTIONS
In addition to Marshall’s contribution to Artemis I, teams are already constructing rockets and developing other technologies and hardware required for future missions that will return American astronauts to the lunar surface, as part of an effort to create a permanent lunar presence.
Marshall Director Jody Singer remarked, “Artemis I will carry much of the experience, effort, and pride of our Marshall team members.” “From building and testing the Space Launch System rocket’s bones and brains to supporting it through this mission and beyond, we are very happy to have contributed to this historic milestone in the United States’ space program.”
Marshall is home to the Space Launch System Program Office, which oversees the integrated launch vehicle’s planning, design, development, testing, evaluation, production, and operation.
In addition to developing and testing the flight software in-house, Marshall team members constructed crucial rocket components in manufacturing facilities.
In addition, Marshall completed important structural testing of the SLS’s liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen fuel tanks.
Boeing, which has maintained a significant presence in Huntsville for more than six decades, was the prime contractor for the design, development, testing, and production of the launch vehicle core stage and upper stages, as well as the development of the flight avionics suite.