The core stage of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket for NASA's Artemis III mission has arrived at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The delivery was confirmed by NASA on April 29, 2026.
Artemis III aims to land astronauts near the lunar south pole, marking the first human return to the Moon since Apollo 17 in 1972. The mission is currently targeted for no earlier than 2027, pending successful completion of Artemis II.
The SLS core stage, built by Boeing, is the largest rocket stage ever built. It arrived via barge from the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. Engineers will now begin integration with the Orion spacecraft and other components.
NASA officials emphasized that the Artemis II mission, which is currently in preparation, must be completed successfully before Artemis III can proceed. Artemis II will send astronauts around the Moon but not land.
