America's Rocket Factory comes Full Circle with Artemis
nasaspaceflight.com • • science
Key Points:
- The Michoud Assembly Facility (MAF) in New Orleans has been a key NASA rocket manufacturing site for over 60 years, supporting programs from Apollo to the Space Shuttle and now Artemis.
- Originally acquired in 1961, Michoud's large manufacturing space and barge access made it ideal for assembling massive rocket components like the Saturn V stages and Space Shuttle external tanks.
- Since the Shuttle's retirement, Michoud has adapted to produce the Space Launch System (SLS) core stages, with Boeing and Lockheed Martin as prime contractors; the second Artemis II core stage rolled out in July 2024.
- Production processes have evolved to increase efficiency, with major core stage assembly split between Michoud and Kennedy Space Center, and Artemis III's core stage is set for shipment in 2026 ahead of a mid-2027 launch.
- Despite challenges including natural disasters and the Columbia accident, Michoud’s workforce has demonstrated resilience, maintaining critical production as NASA prepares for human lunar missions later this decade.
