NASA reports that the Orion Stage Adapter has arrived at Kennedy Space Center to support Artemis II stacking operations and potential CubeSat payload integration. For full details, see the official update on NASA’s site: NASA blog post.
What is the Orion Stage Adapter?
The Orion Stage Adapter (OSA) is the structural element that connects the Space Launch System’s upper stage to the Orion spacecraft. It also provides volume and interfaces that can support secondary payloads such as CubeSats when manifested, while housing separation systems and routing for power and data.
Why this milestone matters
- The OSA’s arrival marks a key step in the stacking flow for Artemis II, moving the mission from component delivery toward integrated vehicle assembly.
- Its installation enables final fit checks between the upper stage and Orion, de-risking interfaces ahead of integrated tests.
- If secondary payloads are included, the OSA is the place where CubeSats are physically accommodated and readied for deployment.
What happens next
- Receiving inspection, metrology, and initial functional checks.
- Fit checks and mechanical integration with the upper stage hardware.
- Installation and verification of separation mechanisms, avionics interfaces, and harnessing.
- Preparation and integration flow for any manifested CubeSats, including environmental and interface checks.
- Transfer to the Vehicle Assembly Building for stacking with the SLS and Orion.
- Integrated verification and systems tests in preparation for rollout and launch operations.
Artemis II context
Artemis II is planned as the first crewed flight of NASA’s Artemis campaign, validating Orion’s life support, navigation, and communication systems in cislunar space. Completing hardware deliveries like the OSA keeps the program on track for full vehicle integration and the subsequent test campaign.
For the most current and authoritative information, refer to NASA’s update: Artemis II hardware delivery at Kennedy.
