Artemis III Crew Visits Kennedy Space Center’s Vehicle Assembly Building

On Wednesday, September 2, 2026, NASA astronaut Randy Bresnik and European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Luca Parmitano toured the Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy Space Center in Florida to observe the latest progress on the solid‑rocket‑booster integration in High Bay 3. The visit was part of the ongoing preparations for the next Space Launch System flight, with the astronauts inspecting the booster’s mounting and alignment as it is secured to the core stage.

Bresnik and Parmitano were joined by fellow NASA crew members Andre Douglas, Frank Rubio, and Bob Hines. Together they reviewed the integration sequence, confirmed the structural integrity of the booster, and discussed the remaining steps required before the vehicle can be moved to the launch pad. The team’s presence underscores the collaborative effort between NASA and ESA to ensure the reliability and safety of the launch system.

The inspection marks a key milestone in the program’s schedule, as the integrated vehicle will undergo final systems checks before being transported to the launch site. The astronauts will continue to monitor the integration process, with the goal of meeting the projected launch window later in the year.