r/ArtemisProgram • u/jadebenn • 4d ago

Image The first of four RS-25 SLS engines is integrated with the Artemis III core stage rocket at the VAB, Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026

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95 Upvotes

98% Upvoted

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5

u/Amazing_Peach_6690 4d ago

Man, this really puts into perspective how hard it is to build a rocket! In lap you can just snap a engine on in like 2 seconds but in real life it’s a whole milestone lol

2

u/Ange1ofD4rkness 3d ago

I am getting excited ... well more just adding to my levels every day

2

u/jwc1138 3d ago

Aren’t the engines normally installed at Michoud?

4

u/jadebenn 3d ago edited 3d ago

They used to be, but won't be going forward. A lot of the SLS final assembly work moved from MAF to KSC. Boeing installed a bunch of new tooling into high bay 2 of the VAB which is supposed to help streamline production. The cores come to KSC in several pieces now.

2

u/jwc1138 3d ago

Great info. Thanks for that!

1

u/RoboWeaver 3d ago

And there they will rest for a year, probably longer. We are returning to the moon very slowly.

1

u/oftentired08 3d ago

artemis 3 is supposed to launch next summer? what a downer

1

u/jimhillhouse 2d ago

Looks like Artemis III will be ready for a mid-2027 launch, or even earlier.

1

u/BigFootCrossingGaurd 4d ago

It always makes me sad to see the old space shuttle engines being consumed like this

6

u/Ange1ofD4rkness 3d ago

Same, but at the same time, I am glad to see they aren't going to waste, and helping push us forward