NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida is abuzz with activity as teams prepare for the first crewed Artemis mission, Artemis II, and future lunar missions. Hardware for these missions is arriving from around the globe, and ground systems are being enhanced to support them.

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• NASA teams advance preparations for the Artemis II crewed flight test.
• Construction of Mobile Launcher 2 (ML2) for Artemis IV and beyond underway.
• ML2 will support the powerful SLS Block 1B rocket with enhanced cargo capacity.
• Crews completed “jack and set” of ML2’s steel base on permanent pedestals in 2024.
• Installation of the 80-foot-tall “chair” module marks structural milestones.
• First of seven 40-foot modules stacked on the “chair” in December 2024.
• ML2’s final height will reach nearly 400 feet upon completion.
• New umbilical systems for SLS Block 1B undergoing cryogenic testing.
• Umbilicals ensure proper fuel, power, and data flow during launches.
• Test simulations include successful retraction of umbilical arms for lift-off readiness.