NASA prepares SLS short stack for Artemis III pad tanking test

NASA has finished stacking both SLS solid rocket boosters and installed all four RS-25 engines on the Core Stage. The short stack, without upper-stage adapters and Orion, will roll to Pad 39B for a tanking test and the Artemis III crew's first launch-day rehearsal ahead of a mission no earlier than June 2027.

• Northrop Grumman boosters provide over 75% of SLS thrust at liftoff
• Booster stacking in High Bay 3 was completed on September 30
• Artemis III crew: Bresnik, Rubio, Douglas and Parmitano
• Artemis III launch is targeted for no earlier than June 2027