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About the Artemis mission

Artemis I, formerly Exploration Mission-1, will be the first integrated test of NASA’s deep space exploration systems: the Orion spacecraft, SLS rocket and the ground systems at Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., U.S.

Artemis missions include landing the first woman and first person of color on the lunar surface, sending a suite of new science instruments and technology demonstrations to study the moon and establishing a long-term presence there.

• A Dec. 2019 contract awarded to Aerojet Rocketdyne (Sacramento, Calif., U.S.) by Lockheed Martin (Littleton, Colo., U.S.) will support production of NASA’s Orion spacecraft fleet with engines and other products for Artemis missions three through five, with an option to support missions six through eight with three additional shipsets.
• In Dec. 2020 it was reported that NASA is working with ICON (Austin, Texas, U.S.), a construction technologies company, on early research and development of a space-based, large-scale additive construction system that could support future exploration of the moon and Mars.
• In Feb. 2021 NASA awarded Firefly Aerospace (Cedar Park, Texas, U.S.) approximately $93.3 million to deliver a suite of 10 science investigations and technology demonstrations to the moon in 2023, which are expected to investigate a variety of lunar surface conditions and resources, preparing for human missions. Firefly is known for its spaceflight composite components.
• Lockheed Martin opened its Spacecraft Test, Assembly and Resource (STAR) Center in Sept. 2021, providing a space to scale up Orion production and deliver spacecraft more quickly.
• Airbus (Tolouse, France) delivered its second European Service Module (ESM) in Oct. 2021. ESMs will provide propulsion, power, air and water for the astronauts, as well as thermal control of the entire Orion spacecraft. More than 20,000 parts and components are installed in the ESM, from electrical equipment to engines. Its primary structure also makes high use of carbon fiber composites.

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