AIAA Statement on Successful Rollout of the Integrated Space Launch System and Orion Spacecraft
NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket with the Orion spacecraft mounted atop illuminated by spotlights atop a mobile launcher at Launch Complex 39B, Friday, March 18, 2022, after being rolled out to the launch pad for the first time at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. | Credit: Joel Kowsky; NASA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 18, 2022 – Reston, Va. – The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) issued the following statement from AIAA Executive Director Dan Dumbacher:
“Congratulations to NASA and the Space Launch System (SLS), Orion, and Exploration Ground Systems teams on the successful rollout from NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Pad 39B. Witnessing this engineering marvel move from concept to production, and now to operation, is an inspirational moment for us today and for future generations. It is quite an achievement!
We are excited to see our nation’s space program prepare to take the next steps to the surface of the moon. The powerful SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft, along with the essential ground systems, are the foundation of the Artemis program that will establish a sustainable presence on the moon in preparation for human exploration beyond Earth’s orbit. They provide a fundamental new capability enabling us to retain and grow U.S. leadership in space. We eagerly anticipate the program’s progress through tests and launch in the coming months.
We recognize the countless professionals across the aerospace industry involved from the beginning of this program, including those AIAA professional and corporate members, who have helped design, build, and test these new systems. We salute and applaud NASA and all those involved in this effort for making important contributions to shaping the future of aerospace.”
Media contact: Rebecca B. Gray, RebeccaG@aiaa.org, 804.397.5270
About AIAA
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) is the world’s largest aerospace technical society. With nearly 30,000 individual members from 91 countries, and 100 corporate members, AIAA brings together industry, academia, and government to advance engineering and science in aviation, space, and defense. For more information, visit www.aiaa.org or follow AIAA on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, andInstagram.
