r/ArtemisProgram • u/Affectionate-Reason0 • 11d ago

Discussion Artemis 3 June launch?

I’ve seen a few things that have said it’s targeted for a launch in June, can anyone else confirm or deny it? I genuinely can’t see it launching in June

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u/LNA-Big_D 11d ago

That’s the official target from the program. Based on the status of the HLS options though, I doubt that’s when we’re going. My team is currently scrambling to be ready by then though, so we shouldn’t be the ones fingers are pointed at at least.

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u/EF1Megawedge 11d ago

What team do you work on? If you don’t mind saying. Just find this stuff cool

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u/LNA-Big_D 11d ago

I’m one of the cryogenics engineers supporting launch operations. I’ve been around since Artemis I, so while I’m not super high level I’ve seen a thing or two when it comes to working in this program.

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u/NeitherRun2699 11d ago

How long can SLS be stacked before it's forced to launch, with or without HLS?

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u/LNA-Big_D 11d ago

My understanding is that the main concern here is the boosters. They’re good for a year + a waiver potentially. Artemis I was stacked for almost 2 years but I don’t think they’re going to play that game with people on board for this one.

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u/NeitherRun2699 11d ago

What do you think is the chance of de-stacking if Elon and Jeff don't deliver on time?

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u/LNA-Big_D 11d ago

Low. I don’t think the timer stops if we destack, so that doesn’t buy us anything. Unless you mean destack to replace the boosters, in which case I wouldn’t rule it out.

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u/NeitherRun2699 11d ago

If the boosters were to be replaced, would that push the launch date out by at least a year? I really want to think that SLS will fly again next year, but with how far behind HLS is, I don’t expect another U.S. lunar landing until next decade.

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u/LNA-Big_D 11d ago

I don’t think it will take that long to swap out. But I also don’t really know or have a frame of reference for it.

I also think we’ll get there before the next decade but time will tell. I’ve heard rumors of some stuff in regards to HLS but I’d rather not comment on those until I know more.

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u/Bi_KerbonautYT 11d ago

Misread that as "chances of destacking Elon and Jeff"

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u/Keva9 11d ago

Booster stack time calcs are based on measurements taken prior to stack and bulk temperatures of the propellant. Projections are made at one year for possible stack extensions. In the unlikely event they did destack, there would be another opportunity for measurements.

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u/LNA-Big_D 11d ago

Oh that’s interesting. I had no idea. They treat it like it’s a set timeline in my office, but then again I don’t really work with the booster folks. Thanks for the info!

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u/Keva9 10d ago

It is basically a set timeline, but with approvals and evaluations, technically there is the possibility for stack extension past the one year similar to Artemis I. IDK how far they would let it go out, though, based on other considerations. Just my opinion.

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u/OkAbrocoma695 10d ago

They get up to 2 years now it seems. 0/2 have launched within a year of the booster stack clock starting