![The first Artemis rocket stage is guided toward NASA’s Pegasus barge Jan. 8](https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/maf_20200108_artemis_roll_out_dn-5673_0.jpg?w=1024)
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![NASA’s Space Launch System rocket carrying the Orion spacecraft launches on the Artemis I flight test, Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022, from Launch Complex 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. NASA’s Artemis I mission is the first integrated flight test of the agency’s deep space exploration systems: the Orion spacecraft, Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, and ground systems. SLS and Orion launched at 1:47 a.m. EST, from Launch Pad 39B at the Kennedy Space Center.](https://images-assets.nasa.gov/image/NHQ202211160002/NHQ202211160002~large.jpg?w=1920&h=1193&fit=clip&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint)
Space Launch System
Combining power and capability, NASA’s Space Launch System rocket is part of NASA’s backbone for deep space exploration and Artemis. SLS is the only rocket that can send Orion, astronauts, and cargo directly to the Moon in a single launch.
![The core stage engine section of the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket for Artemis IV is loaded onto the agency’s Pegasus barge at Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans on Aug. 28. The core stage hardware will be moved NASA’s to Kennedy’s Space Systems Processing Facility for outfitting.](https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/maf-20240828-es4topegasus-09.jpg?w=150&h=150&crop=1)
Rocket Hardware for Future Artemis Flights Moved to Barge for Delivery to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center
NASA is making strides with the Artemis campaign as key components for the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket continue to make their way to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Teams with NASA and Boeing loaded the core stage boat-tail for Artemis III and the core stage engine section for Artemis IV onto the agency’s Pegasus barge at Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans on Aug. 28.
![Hooray for SLS! Book Cover](https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/hooray-selected-cover-suit-update.jpg?w=150&h=150&crop=1)
NASA Releases Hooray for SLS! Children's Book
Hooray for SLS! is the first in a series of illustrated children's books that aims to introduce young explorers to NASA's Artemis campaign. In addition to a downloadable version of the book, coloring sheets, and student activities, parents and educators can watch and listen to a read aloud version of the book on YouTube.
Artemis Blog
As NASA prepares for the first crewed flights of SLS, the Artemis blog is a source of information on Artemis launch and exploration progress and preparations.
Learn More![A close-up view of NASA's Orion spacecraft atop the Space Launch System at Launch Complex 39B with a full Moon in the background.](https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Orion-and-the-Moon.jpg?w=1024)
Reference Guide
The SLS Reference Guide is the go-to source for information on the SLS rocket’s initial Block 1 configuration for NASA’s early Artemis missions, including its design, capabilities, major components, and manufacturing, testing, assembly, and launch activities. This document was initially prepared for Artemis I launch activities.
Learn More about Reference Guide![](https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/ArtemisIlaunch-1024x1005-1.jpg?w=1024)
Additional Resources
“Fuel” and Fire: NASA’s Artemis Missions to the Moon, feat. Metallica
What do Metallica and NASA’s Artemis missions to the Moon have in common? Both love “Fuel” and fire. See footage of the Artemis I launch scored by Metallica’s “Fuel.”
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