Boeing’s Core Stage Powers Successful Launch of Human-Carrying Mission Around the Moon
Boeing recently provided the core stage for a NASA Space Launch System rocket, which completed a successful mission on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.
The core stage separated from the upper stage of the rocket as expected, successfully allowing the Orion spacecraft by NASA to carry astronauts around the moon. This is the first time human astronauts have exited Earth’s orbit in more than 50 years.
Now, the following astronauts are flying Integrity on a 10-day lunar journey:
- Victor Glover (NASA)
- Christina Koch (NASA)
- Reid Wiseman (NASA)
- Jeremy Hansen (Canadian Space Agency)
The entire process involved the core stage demonstrating several capabilities, such as:
- Fueling both fuel tanks pre-launch
- Actuating the hydraulic system
- Igniting the engines
- Running thrust vector control programs in flight
- Depleting the fuel tanks
- Shutting down the engines
- Conducting separation and disposal maneuvers
Boeing’s core stage used in the Artemis II Mission is 212 feet tall, with a 537,000-gallon liquid hydrogen tank and a 196,000-gallon liquid oxygen tank. It also features:
- Intertank section to join the two fuel reservoirs
- Forward skirt to connect to the upper stage
- Engine section with four RS-25 engines
The core stage’s engines work together to output 2.2 million pounds of thrust.
Boeing’s team manufactures the core stage at NASA’s New Orleans Michoud Assembly Facility, using components from suppliers across 38+ states. Boeing is also now working at Michoud and Kennedy on the next core stages for the Artemis III to V missions.
"We're honored to support NASA in restoring a capability vital to our nation's interests and future," said Steve Parker, president and chief executive officer of Boeing Defense, Space & Security.
Parker added, "Boeing and our Space Launch System partners are committed to NASA's mission to return astronauts to the moon, to establish a sustained lunar presence and continue our exploration of deep space."
"Today we witnessed our friends embark on a historic mission aboard our rocket," said John Shannon, vice president, Boeing's Exploration Systems business.
Shannon continued, "Our focus has been on prioritizing the quality of the vehicle and the safety of the crew as they begin their journey.”
“This rocket is designed to withstand incredible forces while speeding through the atmosphere, and it performed exactly as intended,” added Shannon.
He concluded, “I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our dedicated team and partners for their hard work in making this part of the mission a success."