Does Boeing make rockets for NASA?

Boeing’s Lunar Leap: Powering NASA’s Artemis Missions

The dream of returning to the Moon is alive and well, fueled by NASA’s Artemis program. While the spotlight often shines on the astronauts and the overall mission goals, the powerful engines that will carry them on their journey are just as critical. And behind those engines, playing a vital role in making this lunar leap a reality, is Boeing.

So, does Boeing make rockets for NASA? The answer is nuanced. While Boeing isn’t building entire Artemis rockets from nosecone to tailfin, they are a crucial partner in the program, contributing essential hardware that propels the mission forward. They are, in essence, providing the muscle behind the mission.

Boeing’s primary contribution to Artemis lies in the Space Launch System (SLS), the most powerful rocket ever built by NASA. Specifically, Boeing is responsible for the core stage, the backbone of the SLS. This massive structure houses the rocket’s four RS-25 engines, which provide the thrust needed to escape Earth’s gravity and propel the Orion spacecraft towards the Moon.

Think of the core stage as the engine block in a high-performance race car. It houses the powerful engines and provides the structure necessary to handle the immense forces generated during launch. Without a strong and reliable core stage, the entire mission would be impossible.

The RS-25 engines themselves are recycled Space Shuttle Main Engines, refurbished and upgraded by Aerojet Rocketdyne (now part of L3Harris Technologies). However, Boeing integrates these engines into the core stage, ensuring they function seamlessly as a cohesive propulsion system. They also provide the avionics, flight computers, and associated systems that control the core stage during flight.

Furthermore, Boeing is contributing to the Exploration Upper Stage (EUS) for future Artemis missions. The EUS, a more powerful upper stage, will further increase the SLS’s capabilities, allowing for heavier payloads and more ambitious lunar missions.

Therefore, while Boeing doesn’t build the complete SLS rocket, their role in the Artemis program is undeniable. They are providing the critical core stage, integrating the powerful engines, and developing the advanced upper stage, essentially crafting the engine that will power humanity’s return to the lunar surface and beyond. This collaboration underscores Boeing’s enduring legacy and key role in pushing the boundaries of space exploration, ensuring that the dream of a sustainable presence on the Moon remains within reach. They are not just building parts; they are building the foundation for a new era of lunar exploration.