September 12, 2025 — NASA engineers have entered the final stages of assembling the upgraded Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, the heavy-lift launch vehicle designed to carry astronauts to the Moon as part of the Artemis III mission. Scheduled for 2026, the mission aims to mark humanity’s first crewed lunar landing since Apollo 17 in 1972.

The enhanced version of the SLS features more powerful boosters and improved core stage engines, allowing it to carry both the Orion crew capsule and essential cargo to lunar orbit. Artemis III is expected to land astronauts — including the first woman and the first person of color on the Moon — near the lunar south pole, a region rich in water ice deposits.

NASA officials emphasize that the rocket is central to long-term exploration goals. The Artemis program is not only about returning to the Moon but also establishing a sustainable presence, supported by the Lunar Gateway space station and partnerships with private companies like SpaceX, which is developing the Human Landing System.

“Final assembly of the SLS marks a historic milestone,” said Jim Free, NASA’s Associate Administrator for Exploration Systems. “This vehicle will open the door to deeper space exploration, paving the way for missions to Mars in the coming decades.”

Despite progress, the program faces challenges. Technical delays and rising costs have drawn criticism, with some questioning the long-term viability of the SLS compared to reusable commercial rockets. However, supporters argue that its unparalleled payload capacity makes it indispensable for crewed deep-space missions.

If successful, Artemis III will not only demonstrate renewed U.S. leadership in space exploration but also lay the foundation for international cooperation on future missions, as agencies from Europe, Japan, and Canada are contributing critical technologies.

The countdown to 2026 is underway, with rigorous testing and integration steps ahead before the rocket’s first flight with crew.