TheTechno Optimist.

Boeing—Artemis II SLS core stage integrated with solid rocket boosters completeBoeing—SLS core stage performs nominal ascent, separates on scheduleBoeing—Space Launch System lifts off with Artemis II crewed mission

Boeing

Starliner crew capsule, SLS core stage

US$172B market cap~172,000 staffest. 1916boeing.com (opens boeing.com)Checked 11 Oct

The brief

Analyst view
  • Builds Starliner, NASA's second crew capsule; on its 2024 crew test thrusters failed and the crew flew home on Dragon.
  • Next Starliner flight is cargo-only (Dec 2026 to Jan 2027); crewed flights are due to resume in 2028.
  • Builds the core stage of NASA's SLS rocket, which launched Artemis II in April 2026.

Technical approach

As reported
Core stage

Four RS-25 engines and massive fuel tank

RS-25 engines produce 512,300 lbf vacuum thrust each. Core carries 537,000 gallons liquid hydrogen, burns with liquid oxygen at 500+ kg/s.

Payload capacity

27 metric tons to trans-lunar injection (TLI)

98 m tall with Orion and launch abort system. Four RS-25 engines plus two five-segment solid rocket boosters generate 39 MN total thrust.

Manufacturing

Michoud Assembly Facility, New Orleans

Boeing assembles SLS cores at Michoud, the same facility that built Space Shuttle external tanks. Recent modernization improves production rates.

Primer