NASA Integrates Artemis III SLS Core Stage with Boosters in Florida

Technicians integrated the Artemis III Space Launch System core stage alongside twin solid rocket boosters on October 28, 2026, NASA News and local station WFTV reported. The assembly took place inside High Bay 3 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Teams lifted the 212-foot stage from High Bay 2 using a specialized lifting beam to place it onto the mobile launcher. [1][5][6][7]

Following assembly, technicians will conduct thorough testing and checkouts inside the facility, NASA News detailed. Teams will then roll the combined core stage and booster stack out to Launch Pad 39B to perform a critical tanking test using liquid hydrogen propellant. [1]

The Arizona Daily Sun and Morganton.com both reported that NASA remains on track to launch the uncrewed Artemis III mission in the summer of 2027. Tempo.co English added that the mission will serve to test lunar lander docking maneuvers in 2027. [2][3][4]

Artemis III is an upcoming flight of the NASA-led Artemis program. The mission is designed as a demonstration flight in low Earth orbit. Four astronauts are planned to launch aboard the Orion spacecraft on top of the Space Launch System rocket from Kennedy Space Center. [8]