NASA’s Artemis II mission, scheduled to launch this week, will carry four astronauts on America’s first trip around the moon in over 50 years. Remarkably, the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket powering this historic flight incorporates recycled components from the retired Space Shuttle fleet.

The Space Launch System and Heritage Hardware

The SLS rocket is the successor to the Space Shuttle program, designed to send astronauts to the moon. Congress mandated the use of “heritage hardware” from the shuttle program in the SLS design, and the visual similarities between the two rockets are apparent. While the reusable Space Shuttle orbiter has been replaced by the Orion capsule, the SLS retains the large orange fuel tank and solid rocket boosters.

Recycled Engines Power the SLS

The most significant connection to the shuttle era lies in the rocket’s engines. The SLS utilizes four RS-25 engines, one more than the Space Shuttle orbiter. Three of the four engines on Artemis II previously flew on Space Shuttle missions, known then as Space Shuttle Main Engines. Unlike the reusable Space Shuttle, the SLS is not designed for engine recovery, making this flight the last for these engines.

Beyond Engines: Shuttle Components in Orion

The legacy of the Space Shuttle extends beyond the main engines. A key component of the Orion capsule’s engine also has a history with the shuttle program. This engine flew six times as an orbital maneuvering engine on the Space Shuttle Atlantis, as far back as 2000.

Solid Rocket Boosters with Decades of Flight History

Even the solid rocket boosters include segments dating back to the early days of the Space Shuttle program. The oldest segment, located near the top of the right booster, debuted on STS-5 in 1982, Columbia’s fifth flight and the first official “operational” shuttle mission. The left booster contains elements that flew on 47 shuttle missions, while the right booster represents 64 missions.

Iconic Facilities Support Artemis II

The connection to past space programs extends to the launch facilities. The SLS rocket is being assembled in the Vehicle Assembly Building, originally constructed in the 1960s to assemble the Saturn V rockets for the Apollo program. The mission will launch from Pad 39B, which has supported 58 Space Shuttle and Apollo launches.

Looking Ahead: Artemis III and Beyond

Artemis II will carry four astronauts – including the first woman and first Black person – on a lunar flyby. This mission aims to prove the Orion capsule’s capability to safely transport astronauts to and from lunar space. NASA plans to follow Artemis II with Artemis III, a test of lunar landers developed by SpaceX and Blue Origin, with a potential crewed lunar landing as early as 2028.