As the world watched NASA’s successful Artemis I launch to the moon, the launchpad complex left behind is a testament to the infrastructure engineering and design that enable the future of lunar settlement and deep space exploration. Our team of professionals has accomplished architectural and engineering feats to enable the processing, rollout, and launch of this incredible vehicle.
On January 26, 2024, RS&H was recognized by NASA’s Exploration Ground Systems (EGS) Management for outstanding service and launch infrastructure expertise in the Artemis I Mission. The celebration was held at the Merritt Island office. The special event had solid support from RS&H associates who contributed to the Artemis I program, special guests, and individuals behind the scenes to make the celebration successful.
The award from the NASA EGS Team displays the Artemis I launch and three artifacts (commemorative medallion, pin, and patch) that flew inside the Orion Capsule when it orbited around the Moon during the Artemis I Mission.
RS&H designed the modifications to the Space Launch System (SLS) Mobile Launcher (ML), Launch Pad 39B, and Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB), all of which are used by NASA for the Artemis Program.
The ML is designed to support the assembly, testing, check out, and servicing of NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rockets, and transfer SLS to the launch pad while serving as the launch platform. Our prior experience designing the Apollo-era and Space Shuttle mobile launch infrastructure informed the framework for stakeholder engagement and design modifications to ensure all structures and facilities successfully accommodated life safety, human factors, and coastal, launch, wind, and hazardous environments.
At 3,664,883 cubic meters, the VAB is the largest single-story building (by volume) in the world, uniquely designed to support the assembly and integration of NASA’s massive launch vehicles and spacecraft for America’s Human Spaceflight programs. Our processing bay designs enable the safe stacking, processing, and testing of the SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft atop the mobile launcher platform.
Read more about RS&H’s launch infrastructure design and engineering at https://www.rsandh.com/solutions/aerospace/.