NASA’s SLS Rocket Powered by Boeing Core Stage Advances Artemis Lunar Mission

NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS), powered by a core stage built by Boeing, successfully lifted off at 6:35 p.m. ET, marking a significant milestone in the Artemis programme aimed at returning humans to the Moon.

Artemis Mission Progresses as SLS Core Stage Completes Flight Milestone

“We’re honored to support NASA in restoring a capability vital to our nation’s interests and future,” said Steve Parker, President and CEO of Boeing Defense, Space & Security. “Boeing and our Space Launch System partners are committed to NASA’s mission to return astronauts to the moon, to establish a sustained lunar presence, and continue our exploration of deep space.”

Approximately eight and a half minutes after launch, the core stage completed its primary mission and separated from the upper stage, enabling the Orion spacecraft, named Integrity, to continue its journey toward lunar orbit.

“Today we witnessed our friends embark on a historic mission aboard our rocket,” said John Shannon, Vice President, Boeing’s Exploration Systems business. “Our focus has been on prioritizing the quality of the vehicle and the safety of the crew as they begin their journey. This rocket is designed to withstand incredible forces while speeding through the atmosphere, and it performed exactly as intended. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our dedicated team and partners for their hard work in making this part of the mission a success.”

The mission will carry astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen on a 10-day mission around the Moon. The flight represents a key step in advancing human space exploration under NASA’s Artemis initiative.

During ascent, the SLS core stage demonstrated a series of critical operations, including fuel loading, engine ignition, thrust vector control, and in-flight guidance. It also successfully completed fuel depletion, engine shutdown, and stage separation maneuvers.

Standing approximately 212 feet tall, the core stage includes a liquid oxygen tank with a capacity of 196,000 gallons and a liquid hydrogen tank holding 537,000 gallons. The stage is powered by four RS-25 engines, generating a combined thrust of around 2.2 million pounds at launch.

The core stage is manufactured at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, with contributions from suppliers across more than 38 U.S. states. Boeing continues to work on additional core stages for future Artemis missions, including Artemis III through V, which are currently in production.

The mission highlights ongoing collaboration between NASA and Boeing in advancing space exploration capabilities, with a focus on enabling sustained human presence beyond Earth orbit.