FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 11, 2022
Coalition for Deep Space Exploration Applauds Successful Artemis I Mission Completion
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Coalition for Deep Space Exploration (CDSE)
congratulates NASA and its industry team on successfully completing the Artemis I mission, including the inaugural flight of the Space Launch System (SLS), the Orion spacecraft’s mission to orbit the Moon and return back to Earth, and recovery of the vehicle post-splashdown.
“The success of the Artemis I mission validates the readiness of systems supporting human missions to deep space,” said CDSE President and CEO Frank Slazer. “If there was any question about whether NASA and its industry partners were ready to go back to the Moon, Artemis I has definitively answered ‘Yes!’ For the first time in nearly fifty years, we’ll be ready to send people back to the moon – and soon!”
CDSE congratulates its member companies who have made today’s successful mission possible, especially prime contractors Aerojet Rocketdyne on SLS, Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage engines and Orion propulsion capabilities; Boeing on the Space Launch System vehicle; Jacobs on Exploration Ground Systems; Lockheed Martin on the Orion spacecraft; and Northrop Grumman on Solid Rocket Boosters; as well as their 3,800 suppliers from all 50 states.
“Orion’s successful return to the Earth is the conclusion of the Artemis I mission, but just the beginning of humanity’s return to deep space exploration,” Slazer said. “The United States and our international partners are on track to land crews on the Moon to explore and learn what’s needed for future journeys to Mars and other destinations in the solar system. Artemis will enable a deep space exploration program that is inclusive and will inspire a diverse new ‘Artemis generation’ to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.”
SLS is our nation’s newest super heavy lift vehicle and only the third super heavy launch system in history to reach orbit. It’s the world’s most powerful rocket and the only launch vehicle that can send crews in the Orion spacecraft to cislunar space and beyond.
On future Artemis missions, Orion will take crews from Earth to NASA’s Gateway outpost in its near-rectilinear halo orbit around the Moon. Gateway will be the rendezvous point for meeting up with future human landing systems, which will take crews to the lunar surface and eventually to more distant destinations.
The CDSE salutes the successful conclusion of this outstanding Artemis I mission!
About the Coalition for Deep Space Exploration
The Coalition for Deep Space Exploration is a national organization of more than 50 space industry businesses and other stakeholders committed to assuring the United States remains a leader in space exploration, science, technology, and international cooperation. Based in Washington, D.C., the Coalition advocates in support of a long-term, sustainable direction for our nation’s space investments. For more information, please visit our website at https://www.exploredeepspace.com/.
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MEDIA CONTACT
For more information or to schedule an interview with Coalition for Deep Space Exploration President and CEO Frank Slazer, please contact contact Dan Stohr at (703) 517-8173 or DNStohrConsulting@gmail.com.
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