NASA Artemis III rocket begins journey from Louisiana to Florida launch pad
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NASA's Artemis III rocket core stage has begun its journey from Louisiana to Florida's Kennedy Space Center, where it will be assembled for next year's launch. The mission will test lunar landers from SpaceX and Blue Origin in preparation for a potential moon landing in 2028.
NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans watched as the Artemis III rocket core stage rolled out on Monday, beginning its journey to Florida's Kennedy Space Center. The 185-foot-long, 200,000-pound rocket section was transported on a barge called Pegasus. The Artemis III mission, scheduled for next year, will test the docking capabilities of lunar landers from SpaceX and Blue Origin. The rocket will be assembled at Kennedy Space Center, where its four engines will be added, bringing its total height to 212 feet. NASA officials emphasized the critical role Michoud plays in the Artemis program, with plans to increase production to one new rocket core stage per year. The facility has been working on space missions since the Apollo era and will celebrate its 65th anniversary in September.
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