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Inside the Vertical Weld Center. The friction-stir-weld tool for wet and dry structures on the Space Launch System (SLS) core stage. It will weld barrel panels together to produce whole barrels for the two pressurized tanks, the intertank, the forward skirt and the aft engine section. More Info: https://www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/sls/

Inside the Vertical Weld Center at NASA Michoud Assembly Facilit

Inside the Vertical Weld Center. The friction-stir-weld tool for wet and dry structures on the Space Launch System (SLS) core…

Artemis, Louisiana, Nasa, NASA Michoud Assembly Facility, SLS, Space, Space Launch System, Welding
Inside NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, the Vertical Weld Center is shown — a precision friction-stir welding system used to join the massive aluminum alloy panels that form rocket fuel tanks and core stages for the Space Launch System. The bright blue and yellow structures are part of the tooling system that ensures millimeter-level accuracy during assembly, critical for the Artemis program’s deep space missions.

Vertical Weld Center at NASA Michoud Assembly Facility

Inside NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, the Vertical Weld Center is shown — a precision friction-stir welding system…

Artemis, Louisiana, Nasa, NASA Michoud Assembly Facility, SLS, Space, Space Launch System, Welding
Inside the cavernous NASA Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, the green-painted structure of a Space Launch System (SLS) rocket component dominates the factory floor. Surrounded by yellow access platforms and intricate piping, this section is part of the massive tooling infrastructure used to assemble and test rocket core stages. Overhead cranes and precision systems support Boeing’s production of “America’s Rocket,” with each stage destined for integration into NASA’s Artemis program to return humans to the Moon.

Core Stage Manufacturing Area at NASA Michoud Assembly Facility

Inside the cavernous NASA Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, the green-painted structure of a Space Launch System (SLS) rocket…

Artemis, Louisiana, Nasa, NASA Michoud Assembly Facility, SLS, Space, Space Launch System
The interior of the Space Launch System (SLS) fuel tank at NASA Michoud Assembly Facility. NASA Core Stage Infographic: https://www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/sls/multimedia/infographics/corestage101.html Space Launch System: https://www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/sls/index.html

SLS Fuel Tank Interior at Michoud Assembly Facility

The interior of the Space Launch System (SLS) fuel tank at NASA Michoud Assembly Facility. NASA Core Stage Infographic: https://www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/sls/multimedia/infographics/corestage101.html…

Artemis, Louisiana, Nasa, NASA Michoud Assembly Facility, SLS, Space, Space Launch System
The forward skirt section of NASA’s Space Launch System is shown shortly after its final assembly at the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. This uppermost segment houses the rocket’s flight computers, avionics, and camera systems, forming the control center that guides the SLS during launch and ascent. Built for Artemis I (Exploration Mission-1), this structure would later be integrated into the core stage for its 2020 launch from Kennedy Space Center.

SLS Forward Skirt – The Brain of NASA’s Space Launch System

The forward skirt section of NASA’s Space Launch System is shown shortly after its final assembly at the Michoud Assembly…

Artemis, Forward Skirt, Louisiana, Nasa, NASA Michoud Assembly Facility, SLS, Space, Space Launch System
Inside NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, an advanced robotic welding system—developed by Genesis Systems Group and Boeing—assembles major components for the Space Launch System (SLS) core stage. Using friction stir welding, the robot precisely joins massive aluminum panels into the rocket’s fuel tanks and structural sections. The process ensures unmatched strength and reliability, critical for the launch vehicle that powers NASA’s Artemis missions to the Moon and beyond.

Robotic Friction Stir Welding Cell at NASA Michoud

Inside NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, an advanced robotic welding system—developed by Genesis Systems Group and Boeing—assembles major…

Artemis, Louisiana, Manufacturing, Nasa, NASA Michoud Assembly Facility, Robots, SLS, Space, Space Launch System
Precision barrel tooling used in the assembly of the Space Launch System (SLS) core stage stands on the production floor at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. These fixtures hold massive aluminum panels in place during the friction stir welding process, ensuring perfect alignment and uniform curvature for the rocket’s cylindrical sections. Behind the tooling, the metallic structure of a completed barrel segment can be seen, ready for the next stage of integration.

Barrel Assembly Tooling at NASA Michoud Assembly Facility

Precision barrel tooling used in the assembly of the Space Launch System (SLS) core stage stands on the production floor…

Artemis, Louisiana, Nasa, NASA Michoud Assembly Facility, SLS, Space, Space Launch System
The inside of a Space Launch System (SLS) barrel used for the liquid hydrogen tank. It’s made of AI 2219, an aerospace aluminum alloy. More Info: https://www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/sls/

SLS Barrel interior at NASA Michoud Assembly Facility

The inside of a Space Launch System (SLS) barrel used for the liquid hydrogen tank. It’s made of AI 2219,…

Artemis, Louisiana, Nasa, NASA Michoud Assembly Facility, SLS, Space, Space Launch System
A long corridor inside NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans showcases decades of spaceflight heritage through a display of mission patches and crew insignias. Each emblem represents a milestone in American aerospace history — from early shuttle missions to modern exploration programs. The polished concrete floors and fluorescent lighting emphasize the industrial precision of the facility, while the colorful insignias serve as a vivid reminder of the human stories behind the technology.

Mission Patch Hallway at NASA Michoud Assembly Facility

A long corridor inside NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans showcases decades of spaceflight heritage through a display of…

Artemis, Louisiana, Nasa, NASA Michoud Assembly Facility, SLS, Space, Space Launch System
Inside NASA’s historic Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at Kennedy Space Center, towering steel gantries and massive cranes dominate the cavernous interior. This is one of the largest single-story buildings in the world, designed in the 1960s to stack the Saturn V rockets of the Apollo program and now used for assembling the Space Launch System (SLS) for the Artemis missions. The central high-bay area, seen here from above, includes multiple platforms and access decks allowing engineers to integrate and inspect rocket stages with millimeter precision. The structure’s immense scale—capable of accommodating vehicles over 500 feet tall—remains a defining symbol of America’s spaceflight engineering capability.

NASA Vertical Assembly Center, Michoud

The large Space Launch System print on the wall was placed there to show what is being built in this…

Artemis, Louisiana, Nasa, NASA Michoud Assembly Facility, SLS, Space, Space Launch System, Vertical Assembly Center
Looking down into the massive cleaning cell inside the Vertical Assembly Center at NASA Michoud Assembly Facility. The massive washing facility is used to wash the insides of the Space Launch System(SLS) fuel tanks. The SLS rocket will be the world’s largest rocket ever built.

Cleaning Cell at NASA Michoud Assembly Facility

Looking down into the massive cleaning cell inside the Vertical Assembly Center at NASA Michoud Assembly Facility. The massive washing…

Artemis, Cleaning cell, Louisiana, Nasa, NASA Michoud Assembly Facility, SLS, Space, Space Launch System, Vertical Assembly Center
The towering interior of NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, where major components for the Space Launch System rocket are fabricated and assembled. The multilevel platforms, access walkways, and heavy structural supports surround the massive Vertical Assembly Area—an environment designed for precision alignment of rocket stages that will power Artemis missions to the Moon and beyond.

Inside NASA’s Michoud Vertical Assembly Area

The towering interior of NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, where major components for the Space Launch System rocket…

Artemis, Louisiana, Nasa, NASA Michoud Assembly Facility, SLS, Space, Space Launch System, Vertical Assembly Center
A bright blue and yellow tooling structure dominates this section of NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. Built by Ascent Aerospace’s Global Tooling Systems division, this heavy-duty platform is part of the specialized infrastructure used to assemble components of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket. The steel frame supports massive cylindrical sections during alignment and welding, forming part of the precision manufacturing ecosystem that enables Artemis missions to take shape from the ground up.

Tooling Platform at NASA Michoud Assembly Facility

A bright blue and yellow tooling structure dominates this section of NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. Built by…

Artemis, Louisiana, Nasa, NASA Michoud Assembly Facility, SLS, Space, Space Launch System, Welding
A Liquid Oxygen tank being worked on inside Cell A at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility. It’s part of the Space Launch System Core Stage. The tank will hold 195,000 gallons of liquid oxygen cooled to -297 degrees Fahrenheit.

Liquid Oxygen Tank at NASA Michoud Assembly Facility

A Liquid Oxygen tank being worked on inside Cell A at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility. It’s part of the Space…

Artemis, Liquid Oxygen Tank, Louisiana, Nasa, NASA Michoud Assembly Facility, SLS, Space, Space Launch System
Inside NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, this massive blue structure is the Vertical Weld Center, used to fabricate the core stage of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket. The machine employs friction-stir welding to join aluminum panels into large cylindrical sections that form the rocket’s fuel tanks. Operated by precision robotics, the weld center is one of the tallest of its kind in the world and plays a central role in preparing hardware for Artemis missions to the Moon and beyond.

NASA's welding tool, the worlds largest

Inside NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, this massive blue structure is the Vertical Weld Center, used to fabricate…

Artemis, Louisiana, Nasa, NASA Michoud Assembly Facility, SLS, Space, Space Launch System, Vertical Assembly Center, Welder
A high-angle view inside NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans shows the enormous vertical welding and assembly bays used to build sections of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket. The towering circular structure on the left is part of the Vertical Weld Center, where cylindrical rocket segments are precisely joined using friction-stir welding. Catwalks and access platforms ring the interior, supporting technicians during construction of the world’s most powerful launch vehicle for the Artemis program.

Vertical Assembly and Welding Bay at NASA Michoud Assembly Facil

A high-angle view inside NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans shows the enormous vertical welding and assembly bays used…

Artemis, Louisiana, Nasa, NASA Michoud Assembly Facility, SLS, Space, Space Launch System, Vertical Assembly Center
Inside NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, this image captures a detailed look at the Vertical Assembly Structure where components of the Space Launch System (SLS) core stage are integrated. Michoud is responsible for producing and assembling the massive cryogenic fuel tanks and structural sections for Artemis missions. The image highlights upper-level access platforms, fluid transfer lines, structural support towers, and work platforms surrounding cylindrical core stage hardware. The illuminated scaffolding, wiring harnesses, and service walkways reflect the precision required for assembling high-tolerance aerospace structures intended for deep space missions. The facility plays a key role in preparing the United States’ next-generation launch vehicles for lunar exploration.

Michoud Assembly Facility – Vertical Assembly Structure Compon

Inside NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, this image captures a detailed look at the Vertical Assembly Structure where…

Nasa, NASA Michoud Assembly Facility, SLS, Space, Space Launch System
An elevated view of the overhead gantry crane system inside NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. These yellow steel cranes are used to lift and maneuver rocket sections, including the massive Space Launch System core stages, within the cavernous production hall. The network of platforms, rails, and suspended hooks demonstrates the industrial scale of spacecraft manufacturing that has taken place here since the Apollo and Space Shuttle programs.

Overhead Gantry Cranes at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility

An elevated view of the overhead gantry crane system inside NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. These yellow steel…

Artemis, Louisiana, Nasa, NASA Michoud Assembly Facility, SLS, Space, Space Launch System, Vertical Assembly Center
Looking downward inside the Vertical Assembly Center at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, this view shows the precision alignment and welding platform used to assemble rocket stages. The towering blue and yellow structure is part of the tooling for the Space Launch System core stage, where massive aluminum sections are friction-stir welded to form part of NASA’s Artemis launch vehicles.

View Down the Vertical Assembly Center at NASA Michoud

Looking downward inside the Vertical Assembly Center at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, this view shows the precision…

Artemis, Louisiana, Nasa, NASA Michoud Assembly Facility, SLS, Space, Space Launch System, Vertical Assembly Center
A stairwell winds through the interior of NASA’s Vertical Assembly Center at the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. The industrial structure, with its orange and blue framework, provides access to various levels of the 170-foot-tall welding system used to assemble core stages of the Space Launch System. The facility supports precision manufacturing for the Artemis program’s heavy-lift rockets.

Stairwell Inside NASA’s Vertical Assembly Center

A stairwell winds through the interior of NASA’s Vertical Assembly Center at the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. The…

Artemis, Louisiana, Nasa, NASA Michoud Assembly Facility, SLS, Space, Space Launch System, Staircase, Vertical Assembly Center
A view from the upper levels of the Vertical Assembly Center at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. The massive blue structure supports the assembly and welding of the Space Launch System’s core stage, the primary rocket used for Artemis missions. This 170-foot-tall tool precisely aligns and joins large rocket sections, a key part of NASA’s ongoing production of deep space launch vehicles.

Vertical Assembly Tower at NASA’s Michoud Facility

A view from the upper levels of the Vertical Assembly Center at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. The…

Artemis, Louisiana, Nasa, NASA Michoud Assembly Facility, SLS, Space, Space Launch System, Vertical Assembly Center
The Spacecraft Adapter Cone for NASA’s Orion Exploration Mission-1 (EM-1) is shown during assembly inside the manufacturing facility. This conical structure connects the Orion crew module and service module to the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, housing critical components such as separation hardware, wiring harnesses, and payload deployment systems. Its reinforced aluminum construction includes visible thermal protection areas, structural attachment brackets, and integrated circuitry for communication and control. EM-1, later renamed Artemis I, was designed as an uncrewed test flight to evaluate Orion’s deep-space capabilities for future crewed lunar missions.

Orion EM-1 Spacecraft Adapter Cone Under Assembly

The Spacecraft Adapter Cone for NASA’s Orion Exploration Mission-1 (EM-1) is shown during assembly inside the manufacturing facility. This conical…

Artemis, Artemis I, Louisiana, Nasa, NASA Michoud Assembly Facility, SLS, Space, Space Launch System
The Orion spacecraft’s crew module sits on a transport platform at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, Louisiana. Built by Lockheed Martin, this pressure vessel is the primary structure that will house astronauts during Artemis missions to the Moon. The aluminum-lithium frame, painted in primer yellow, is designed to withstand both launch forces and the harsh conditions of deep space. Each module undergoes precision assembly and testing at Michoud before being shipped to Kennedy Space Center for outfitting and integration with the Space Launch System rocket.

Orion Crew Module at NASA Michoud Assembly Facility

The Orion spacecraft’s crew module sits on a transport platform at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, Louisiana. Built…

Artemis, Artemis II, Louisiana, Nasa, NASA Michoud Assembly Facility, Orion, SLS, Space, Space Launch System
The Orion crew module is seen in mid-assembly at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. Built by Lockheed Martin, the pressure vessel forms the core structure of the spacecraft that will carry astronauts on Artemis missions to the Moon and beyond. The aluminum-lithium frame is precision-welded to withstand the stresses of launch and deep-space travel, while the black sections mark window openings for crew visibility during flight. Each unit is assembled and tested at Michoud before being shipped to the Kennedy Space Center for integration with the European Service Module and the Space Launch System rocket.

Orion Crew Module under Construction at NASA Michoud

The Orion crew module is seen in mid-assembly at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. Built by Lockheed Martin,…

Artemis, Artemis II, Louisiana, Nasa, NASA Michoud Assembly Facility, Orion, SLS, Space, Space Launch System
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