Lockheed Martin completes Orion spacecraft for Artemis II Moon mission

Orion is described as “the most advanced, human-rated, deep space spacecraft ever developed.” As NASA’s prime contractor, Lockheed Martin was responsible for the crew module, crew module adaptor, and the launch abort system.

“This achievement is a testament to our employees and suppliers who have worked tirelessly to get us to this important milestone,” said Kirk Shireman, vice president of Human Space Exploration and Orion programme manager at Lockheed Martin. “The Orion spacecraft completion for Artemis II is a major step forward in our nation’s efforts to develop a long-term lunar presence.”

Artemis II will be the first crewed mission of the Orion programme, building on the uncrewed EFT-1 and Artemis I test flights. Enhancements based on Artemis I include upgraded life support systems, crew controls, audio communication, an exercise machine, and a fully functional launch abort system.

The spacecraft also features docking sensors and an experimental laser communication system. These additions are intended to improve crew safety and data transmission for future deep space missions.

The EGS team will now prepare Orion for launch at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This includes loading consumables such as water and oxygen, installing fairings, and integrating the spacecraft with the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket.

Artemis II is scheduled to launch in early 2026 and will carry NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen. The mission will last 10 days and travel 4,600 miles beyond the Moon before returning to Earth.

During the flight, the crew will evaluate Orion’s systems, test navigation and communications, and perform scientific experiments. They will also conduct a rendezvous with the SLS upper stage to practise docking procedures needed for future missions, including Artemis III.

Work is already underway on Orion spacecraft for Artemis III and IV, with components currently at NASA’s facilities in Florida and Louisiana. Lockheed Martin remains under contract to develop Orion vehicles through Artemis VIII, reducing costs with each build.