Lockheed Martin has reached a major milestone in NASA’s Artemis II mission, completing the assembly and testing of the Orion spacecraft and officially transferring it to NASA’s Exploration Ground Systems (EGS) team. This handover marks a crucial step toward the planned 2026 launch, which will send four astronauts on a 10-day journey around the Moon and back.

Path to Launch

The EGS team will now begin final preparations, moving Orion through various processing facilities to load propellants, install the launch abort system (LAS), and add protective fairings. The spacecraft will then be stacked atop the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket for final launch preparations. This careful process is designed to ensure Orion’s flawless performance and the safety of its crew.

Lockheed Martin technicians have completed the installation of backshell panels and insulation to shield astronauts from the harsh conditions of deep space. The company emphasized its commitment to safety and reliability, stating, “Orion is the most advanced, human-rated, deep space spacecraft ever developed, designed with crew health and safety in mind.”

Enhanced for Crew Safety

Artemis II will be Orion’s first crewed mission, featuring several upgrades based on lessons learned from Artemis I. New systems include life support displays and controls, improved audio communications, an exercise machine, a waste management system, and a fully functional LAS. “These upgrades demonstrate our commitment to innovation, ensuring that Orion provides the best possible environment for the astronauts to perform their critical mission,” a Lockheed Martin spokesperson said.

Looking Ahead

With Orion for Artemis II complete, Lockheed Martin continues to develop spacecraft for future Artemis missions, up to Artemis VIII. The company is focused on reducing costs while maintaining high standards of quality and performance.

“As NASA’s plans for returning to the Moon take shape, Orion is poised to play a vital role in building the foundation for the next great chapter of space exploration: humanity’s first crewed missions to Mars,” Lockheed Martin stated. This milestone underscores the ongoing partnership between NASA and Lockheed Martin and their shared vision for a sustainable human presence on the Moon and beyond.