Barge

6 photos · 2017–2018

6 photographs tagged Barge, 2017–2018.

Inside look at NASA’s Pegasus Barge at Michoud Assembly — The cavernous cargo bay of NASA’s Pegasus barge is designed to transport Space Launch System (SLS) rocket stages from the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Its reinforced hull and climate-controlled enclosure protect sensitive rocket components from Gulf Coast humidity and salt exposure during the 900-mile transit. Originally constructed in 1999 for Space Shuttle external tanks, the Pegasus was lengthened and upgraded in 2014 to accommodate the larger core stages for the Artemis program. This specialized vessel remains a critical part of NASA’s logistics infrastructure, facilitating the movement of vital spaceflight hardware.

Exterior photo of NASAs Pegasus Barge at Michoud — The NASA transport barge Pegasus is moored at the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, Louisiana, a critical site for space vehicle manufacturing. This specialized vessel is engineered to transport the massive 212-foot-long core stages of the Space Launch System (SLS), featuring a climate-controlled cargo hold and a retractable bow door. Originally used for Space Shuttle external tanks, the Pegasus was extensively refitted and lengthened in 2014 to support NASA’s Artemis program. It now serves as a vital logistical link, moving rocket components from the Gulf Coast manufacturing site to the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

NASA Barge Pegasus on the Intracoastal Waterway — The NASA barge Pegasus is moored on the Intracoastal Waterway near New Orleans, Louisiana. Constructed in 1999, the vessel initially transported Space Shuttle external tanks from NASA Michoud Assembly Facility to Kennedy Space Center. It was later extended and modernized to accommodate the massive core stages of NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS). Operated by the U.S. Maritime Administration and NASA’s logistics teams, Pegasus serves as a vital link for Artemis missions, connecting Gulf Coast manufacturing with Florida launch operations.

Inside the NASA Pegasus Barge in Lousiana — The interior of NASA's Pegasus barge, located at the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, Louisiana, reveals its industrial design. This specialized vessel is engineered to transport the massive core stage and Exploration Upper Stage of the Space Launch System (SLS). It moves these critical components from the Michoud Assembly Facility to other NASA centers, such as Kennedy Space Center in Florida, for testing and launch preparations. The barge's operation is fundamental to the Artemis program, supporting NASA's ongoing efforts to return humans to the Moon and advance deep space exploration.

Barge on the Mississippi River in St. Paul — Barge on the Mississippi River in St. Paul Minnesota at night.

Barge moored on the Minnesota River near Savage, Minnesota, with grain elevator in distance. — A barge is moored along the Minnesota River near Savage, Minnesota, with a grain elevator visible in the distance. The river serves as a transportation corridor for barge traffic carrying agricultural and industrial goods throughout the region.

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