On Saturday, January 17, 2026, Amentum rolled the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Complex 39B at Kennedy Space Center. The 1.5‑mile move required the crawler‑transporter to traverse a complex network of roads and infrastructure while maintaining precise alignment and continuous system monitoring. The operation was coordinated with multiple NASA teams and completed without incident, positioning the fully stacked launch vehicle on the pad in time for the next phase of Artemis II preparations.
The rollout is a critical step in the Artemis II schedule, which aims to launch no earlier than February 6, 2026. By moving the SLS and Orion to the pad, Amentum has enabled the crewed mission’s final systems checks, fueling, and integration activities. The milestone also demonstrates the reliability of NASA’s ground‑support infrastructure and the readiness of the crewed lunar orbit mission that will carry four astronauts on a roughly 10‑day journey around the Moon.
Amentum’s role in the operation underscores its expertise in high‑consequence ground operations. The company led the crawler‑transporter crew, managed the complex logistics, and ensured that all safety and performance parameters were met. Mark Walter, president of Amentum’s Engineering & Technology business, said, “The successful rollout and preparation of Artemis II is a clear reminder of the responsibility entrusted to our team. Amentum delivered the engineering expertise and operational discipline that made this milestone possible, ensuring Artemis II’s progress toward launch preparations and advancing our nation’s human space exploration mission.”
The successful rollout strengthens Amentum’s competitive standing in the government services sector. Demonstrating the ability to execute a high‑visibility, mission‑critical contract positions the company for future opportunities with NASA and other federal agencies. The event also highlights Amentum’s capacity to manage large‑scale aerospace projects, reinforcing its reputation as a trusted partner for complex ground‑support operations.
While no market reaction data is available, the achievement signals to investors and industry observers that Amentum is executing on its core capabilities and maintaining the trust of a major federal client. The company’s performance on this milestone is likely to be viewed as a positive indicator of its operational reliability and potential for future contract growth.
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