Artemis II

About the Mission

From propulsion systems that helped launch NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and guided the Orion spacecraft through deep space, to communications that kept the crew connected with Earth, to avionics that ensured precise navigation and control, L3Harris technology was 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: April 1, 2026

Landing Date: April 10, 2026

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

1st

International astronaut to travel to deep space

~4600

Miles crew flew beyond the Moon

>50

Number of years since humans had returned to lunar vicinity

Powered By L3Harris

Images Credit: NASA

LAUNCH PHASE:

L3Harris-built RS-25 engines powered 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, boosted Orion into a high Earth orbit for a proximity operations demonstration.
40 advanced avionics systems precisely controlled and monitored the SLS core stage, ICPS, and solid rocket boosters, ensuring safe and reliable launch operations.
Nine composite overwrapped pressure vessels supported the operation of SLS.
The L3Harris jettison motor separated the Launch Abort System from the Orion spacecraft to allow astronauts to continue their journey.
Each Artemis II crew member was 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 performed the critical translunar injection burn, sending the crew on their 10-day mission around the Moon. The engine was also fired to escape the Moon’s gravity and returned the crew to Earth.
L3Harris R-4D-11 thrusters on Orion executed vital course corrections and maneuvers throughout the mission and served as backups to the Orion Main Engine.
L3Harris’ Orion audio system enabled clear, continuous communication between astronauts and mission control.
Four composite overwrapped pressure vessels on Orion’s service module provided 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 enabled 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 deployed its self-righting flotation system, which was inflated with helium stored in five composite overwrapped pressure vessels built by L3Harris.

“

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

”

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