The Space Launch System's (SLS) Orion rocket performed with precision, meeting or exceeding expectations during its debut launch on Artemis I. The world’s most powerful set the spacecraft on course for a journey beyond the Moon and back, laying a foundation for the first mission with astronauts on Artemis II and man's return to the lunar surface with Artemis III. “The first launch of the (SLS) rocket was simply eye-watering,” said Mike Sarafin, Artemis mission manager. The twin solid rocket booster motors responsible for producing more than 7M pounds of thrust at liftoff reached a speed of about 4,000 mph in about two minutes before booster separations. Analysis shows the rocket’s core stage and four RS-25 engines met every expectation during launch. The mega Moon rocket delivered Orion within about three miles of its planned orbit altitude of 975 by 16 nautical miles, well within range required for the mission at about 17,500 mph. Analysis shows the rocket’s ascent and in-space software also performed as expected. Engineers will continue detailed analysis of SLS's performance over the next several months while building and assembling elements for Artemis II and beyond. (11/30/22)
Regional Note: The SLS Program is managed by Marshall Space Flight Center in Alabama, and many parts of the rocket were built and tested at Marshall and at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, as well as at Stennis Space Center in Bay St. Louis, Miss. Initial Assessment Shows Excellent Performance for Artemis Moon Rocket | NASA
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