Artemis II

About the Mission

From propulsion systems that help launch NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and guide the Orion spacecraft through deep space, to communications that keep the crew connected with Earth, to avionics that ensure precise navigation and control, L3Harris technology is integral to every phase of the mission.

Mission Type: Crewed Lunar Flyby Test Mission

Crew Size: 4 - Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, Mission Specialist Christina Koch, and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen

Launch Date: No Earlier than Feb. 6, 2026 - NASA Mission Availability Calendar.

Mission Duration: 10 Days

L3Harris Contributions: L3Harris Technologies provides 108 mission-critical elements, including propulsion, communications, and avionics.

1st

International astronaut to travel to deep space

4600

Miles crew will fly beyond the Moon

>50

Number of years since humans return to lunar vicinity

Powered By L3Harris

Images Credit: NASA

LAUNCH PHASE:

L3Harris-built RS-25 engines power the SLS rocket’s core stage for the first 500 seconds of flight.
The Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (ICPS), powered by an L3Harris RL10 engine and controlled by 12 L3Harris MR-106 thrusters, boosts Orion into a high Earth orbit for a proximity operations demonstration.
40 advanced avionics systems precisely control and monitor the SLS core stage, ICPS, and solid rocket boosters, ensuring safe and reliable launch operations.
Nine composite overwrapped pressure vessels support the operation of SLS.
The L3Harris jettison motor separates the Launch Abort System from the Orion spacecraft to allow astronauts to continue their journey.
Each Artemis II crew member is equipped with two small L3Harris emergency oxygen tanks, totaling eight across the crew.

The Orion Main Engine on Orion’s service module is prominently featured in this image from flight day 22 of the Artemis I mission in 2022.

MISSION PHASE:

The L3Harris-built Orion Main Engine will perform the critical translunar injection burn, sending the crew on their 10-day mission around the Moon, and will also be fired to escape the Moon’s gravity and return the crew to Earth.
L3Harris R-4D-11 thrusters on Orion will execute vital course corrections and maneuvering throughout the mission and serve as backups to the Orion Main Engine.
L3Harris’ Orion audio system enables clear, continuous communication between astronauts and mission control.
Four composite overwrapped pressure vessels on Orion’s service module provide breathable air to the astronauts inside the spacecraft.

Jeremy Hansen, mission specialist; Victor Glover, pilot; Reid Wiseman, commander; and Christina Hammock Koch, mission specialist

LANDING PHASE:

L3Harris MR-104 thrusters will enable precise trajectory adjustments to position Orion’s heatshield properly for re-entry and splashdown, supporting the crew’s safe return to Earth.
Upon splashdown, Orion will deploy its self-righting flotation system, which will be inflated with helium stored in five composite overwrapped pressure vessels built by L3Harris.

“

This is a historic moment, the beginning of a new phase of space exploration. It’s very exciting to be part of that.

”

- Helen Lewin, L3Harris' RS-25 Launch Support Lead