NASA’s Marshall Center Rolls Out Artemis III Core Stage, Targets Mid‑2027 Moon Landing

NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center rolled out the core stage for the Artemis III mission this week, marking a significant step toward the planned mid-2027 moon landing. This mission aims to return American astronauts to the lunar surface.

NASA is advancing its Artemis program, focusing on returning astronauts to the Moon. Engineers at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, are developing key hardware for these missions. The Space Launch System (SLS), developed in Huntsville, serves as the rocket for the program.

This week, NASA achieved a major milestone for Artemis III. Sharon Cobb, Associate Program Manager for NASA's SLS, announced the rollout of the mission's core stage. This critical component will power the rocket's initial ascent.

NASA targets mid-2027 for the Artemis III launch. This mission will test rendezvous and docking operations between the Orion spacecraft and commercial human landing systems, a key step in lunar exploration. The mission plans for Orion to enter low Earth orbit, where astronauts will transfer to landing systems and test new space suits for lunar missions.

HARDWARE PREPARATION continues in Huntsville. The launch vehicle stage adapter, a structural component connecting rocket stages, is being outfitted there. This adapter measures 26 feet tall and weighs less than 10,000 pounds. Local teams apply thermal protection and connect electrical systems to this piece of hardware.

The rollout of the core stage and ongoing hardware preparation advance NASA’s goal of returning humans to the Moon. This work supports the complex process of readying a rocket for liftoff, which can take multiple years. Beyond Artemis III, NASA is already preparing hardware for future flights, with work underway for Artemis IV and V. Developing spare hardware for these additional missions ensures readiness for potential component replacements. The progress on Artemis III highlights ongoing efforts to refine the Orion spacecraft, the Space Launch System rocket, and necessary lunar landing systems.

Next, watch for further assembly and integration of the core stage with other Artemis III components. These steps will determine progress toward the mid-2027 launch window.