Artemis II Mission Advances: Core Stage Integration Complete, Recovery Procedures Practiced, and Orion's Service Module Protected

NASA's Artemis II mission is progressing with key milestones achieved. The core stage of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket was integrated with the solid rocket boosters at Kennedy Space Center on March 23, 2025. This 212-foot-tall stage will support the launch vehicle stage adapter, interim cryogenic propulsion stage, Orion stage adapter, and the Orion spacecraft for the crewed mission. Simultaneously, NASA and the Department of Defense are preparing for the recovery of the Artemis II astronauts and the Orion spacecraft. Recovery procedures were practiced in the Pacific Ocean, involving a test version of Orion. A media event is scheduled for March 31 at Naval Base San Diego to showcase these operations. Furthermore, technicians completed the installation of spacecraft adapter jettison fairing panels onto Orion's European-built service module on March 19, 2025. These panels will protect the solar array wings during launch and ascent, and will later separate to allow the wings to unfurl. The service module will provide propulsion, life support, and power for the 10-day lunar journey of astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen.