"There are connectors that can be demated," explained one NASA engineer to. "Non-core," in this case, refers to a subset of hardware aboard Orion, as opposed to "core" avionics, and helps differentiate between some of what will and won't be reused from the spacecraft's first flight. That task will likely be the processing and reinstallation of Artemis 1 hardware. (Image credit: NASA/Joel Kowsky)Īccording to a November 2022 report (opens in new tab) from the NASA Office of Inspector General (OIG), " Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate considers the non-core avionics reuse to be the primary critical path for the Artemis 2 mission, with total preparation work between missions to take about 27 months." "Critical path" the report explains, "is the sequence of tasks that determines the minimum duration of time needed to complete a project." In short, Artemis 2 can only launch as soon as the most time-consuming task on engineers' checklists is complete. 16, 2022, from Launch Complex 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. NASA’s Space Launch System rocket carrying the Orion spacecraft launches on the Artemis 1 flight test, Wednesday, Nov. Related: Artemis 1 moon rocket, NASA's most powerful ever, aced its debut launch While this shortened the lull between missions, it also ended up putting a magnifying glass over the decision to reuse some of Orion's avionics. In turn, the first three flights of SLS were changed to fly in the Block 1 configuration.
ROCKET LAUNCH SCHEDULE UPGRADE
This move abandoned plans to upgrade the existing MLP, leaving it capable of only launching the SLS Block 1. Comparatively, NASA's estimated timeline to remove, refurbish and reinstall Orion's avionics hardware was not expected to affect the launch schedule.īy 2018, however, NASA funding appropriations from Congress and agency attempts to quicken SLS' launch cadence led to the decision to construct a second MLP to support the rocket's larger configurations. The three-year gap between EM-1 and EM-2 was meant to allow time for upgrades to the SLS mobile launch platform (MLP) to support the taller SLS Block 1B.
Avionics and electrical systems provide the 'nervous system' of launch vehicles and spacecraft, linking diverse systems into a functioning whole."Īrtemis 2, or Exploration Mission 2 (EM-2), as it was called at the time, was originally slated to fly on an SLS Block 1B rocket, a larger upgraded version of the SLS used for Artemis 1, which replaces the vehicle's Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (ICPS) with the more powerful Exploration Upper Stage (EUS).
A 2017 NASA blog (opens in new tab) post mentions recycling Orion's hardware, stating, "NASA is reusing avionics boxes from the Orion EM-1 crew module for the next flight.
ROCKET LAUNCH SCHEDULE FULL
The following three graphics provide a virtual tour of PSCA, including an Overview of the site, “Downrange” launch pads, and “Uprange” control centers.NASA's decision to reuse some of Orion's flight hardware was made at a time when Artemis 1 was still known as Exploration Mission-1 (EM-1), and the schedule for SLS placed a full three years between the first two launches. PSCA also enjoys the largest launch azimuth range of any spaceport in the US and can access high-inclination, polar, and sun-synchronous orbits between 59° and 110° inclination. As such, PSCA provides unqualified economic benefit to Alaska, stimulates innovation, and keeps the team focused on customer outcomes versus stifling bureaucratic processes.Īs one of only four orbital vertical rocket launch sites in the United States, PSCA plays a key role in providing resiliency for US access to space. Since 2015, the spaceport has not accepted state or federal funds for operations & maintenance and must operate within earned revenues. One of the pioneering features of PSCA is its’ economic model. PSCA has been launching rockets since 1998 and was the first FAA-licensed spaceport not co-located on a federal range. The Pacific Spaceport Complex – Alaska (PSCA) on Kodiak Island provides responsive, flexible, and low-cost access to space for small- and light-lift vertical rockets and stratospheric balloons.
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