CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, work continues in Firing Room 2 in the Launch Control Center, or LCC. The legacy flooring is being removed and wiring and conduits below the floor will be upgraded. The mission director’s room to the left and another viewing room to the right also will be upgraded. Firing Rooms inside the LCC are being upgraded by the Ground System Development and Operations Program at Kennedy to support the processing and launch of multiple types of rockets and spacecraft, whether they are government or commercial models. Kennedy’s Launch Complex 39 is transitioning to support multiple users with the Firing Rooms being modified to be more generic in nature for upcoming programs. Photo credit: NASA_Gary Thompson

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, work continues in Firing Room 2 in the Launch Control Center, or LCC. The legacy flooring is being removed and wiring and conduits below the floor will be upgraded. Firing Rooms inside the LCC are being upgraded by the Ground System Development and Operations Program at Kennedy to support the processing and launch of multiple types of rockets and spacecraft, whether they are government or commercial models. Kennedy’s Launch Complex 39 is transitioning to support multiple users with the Firing Rooms being modified to be more generic in nature for upcoming programs. Photo credit: NASA_Gary Thompson

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, modifications continue to Firing Room 3 in the Launch Control Center, or LCC. Wiring and conduits below the floor have been upgraded and new flooring is being installed. Firing Rooms inside the LCC are being upgraded by the Ground System Development and Operations Program at Kennedy to support the processing and launch of multiple types of rockets and spacecraft, whether they are government or commercial models. Kennedy’s Launch Complex 39 is transitioning to support multiple users with the Firing Rooms being modified to be more generic in nature for upcoming programs. Photo credit: NASA_Gary Thompson

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, modifications continue to Firing Room 3 in the Launch Control Center, or LCC. Wiring and conduits below the floor have been upgraded. The legacy flooring leading to and inside a viewing room has been removed and the area is being prepared for new flooring to be installed. Firing Rooms inside the LCC are being upgraded by the Ground System Development and Operations Program at Kennedy to support the processing and launch of multiple types of rockets and spacecraft, whether they are government or commercial models. Kennedy’s Launch Complex 39 is transitioning to support multiple users with the Firing Rooms being modified to be more generic in nature for upcoming programs. Photo credit: NASA_Gary Thompson

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, work continues in Firing Room 2 in the Launch Control Center, or LCC. The legacy flooring is being removed and wiring and conduits below the floor will be upgraded. The mission director’s room to the left and another viewing room to the right also will be upgraded. Firing Rooms inside the LCC are being upgraded by the Ground System Development and Operations Program at Kennedy to support the processing and launch of multiple types of rockets and spacecraft, whether they are government or commercial models. Kennedy’s Launch Complex 39 is transitioning to support multiple users with the Firing Rooms being modified to be more generic in nature for upcoming programs. Photo credit: NASA_Gary Thompson

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, modifications continue to Firing Room 3 in the Launch Control Center, or LCC. Wiring and conduits below the floor have been upgraded and new flooring has been installed. Walls have been repaired and are in the process of being painted. Firing Rooms inside the LCC are being upgraded by the Ground System Development and Operations Program at Kennedy to support the processing and launch of multiple types of rockets and spacecraft, whether they are government or commercial models. Kennedy’s Launch Complex 39 is transitioning to support multiple users with the Firing Rooms being modified to be more generic in nature for upcoming programs. Photo credit: NASA_Gary Thompson

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, modifications to Firing Room 2 in the Launch Control Center, or LCC, continue. Old flooring has been removed and wiring and conduits below the floor are being upgraded. New flooring will be installed. Firing Rooms inside the LCC are being upgraded by the Ground System Development and Operations Program at Kennedy to support the processing and launch of multiple types of rockets and spacecraft, whether they are government or commercial models. Kennedy’s Launch Complex 39 is transitioning to support multiple users with the Firing Rooms being modified to be more generic in nature for upcoming programs. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, modifications to Firing Room 2 in the Launch Control Center, or LCC, continue. Wiring and conduits below the floor have been upgraded. The legacy flooring was removed and new flooring is being installed. Firing Rooms inside the LCC are being upgraded by the Ground System Development and Operations Program at Kennedy to support the processing and launch of multiple types of rockets and spacecraft, whether they are government or commercial models. Kennedy’s Launch Complex 39 is transitioning to support multiple users with the Firing Rooms being modified to be more generic in nature for upcoming programs. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

Charlie Blackwell-Thompson, right, Exploration Mission-1 (EM-1) launch director, reviews procedures during a countdown demonstration event of cryogenic propellant loading April 12, 2019, inside Firing Room 2 in the Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The practice simulation involved loading of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen into the Space Launch System rocket’s core and upper stages to prepare for EM-1. During the tanking exercise, the team worked through surprise issues in real-time. The practice countdown events are training opportunities coordinated by Blackwell-Thompson with Exploration Ground Systems.

Engineers with Exploration Ground Systems monitor their consoles during a countdown demonstration event of cryogenic propellant loading April 12, 2019, inside Firing Room 2 in the Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The practice simulation involved loading of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen into the Space Launch System rocket’s core and upper stages to prepare for Exploration Mission-1 (EM-1). During the tanking exercise, the team worked through surprise issues in real-time. The practice countdown events are training opportunities coordinated by EM-1 Launch Director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson with Exploration Ground Systems.

Anthony Bharrat, NASA engine avionics engineer, monitors his console during a countdown demonstration event of cryogenic propellant loading April 12, 2019, inside Firing Room 2 in the Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The practice simulation involved loading of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen into the Space Launch System rocket’s core and upper stages to prepare for Exploration Mission-1 (EM-1). During the tanking exercise, the team worked through surprise issues in real-time. The practice countdown events are training opportunities coordinated by EM-1 Launch Director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson with Exploration Ground Systems.

Engineers with NASA and contractor Jacobs monitor their consoles during a countdown demonstration event of cryogenic propellant loading April 12, 2019, inside Firing Room 2 in the Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The practice simulation involved loading of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen into the Space Launch System rocket’s core and upper stages to prepare for Exploration Mission-1 (EM-1). During the tanking exercise, the team worked through surprise issues in real-time. The practice countdown events are training opportunities coordinated by EM-1 Launch Director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson with Exploration Ground Systems.

Engineers with NASA and contractor Jacobs monitor their consoles during a countdown demonstration event of cryogenic propellant loading April 12, 2019, inside Firing Room 2 in the Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The practice simulation involved loading of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen into the Space Launch System rocket’s core and upper stages to prepare for Exploration Mission-1 (EM-1). During the tanking exercise, the team worked through surprise issues in real-time. The practice countdown events are training opportunities coordinated by EM-1 Launch Director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson with Exploration Ground Systems.

Charlie Blackwell-Thompson, Exploration Mission-1 (EM-1) launch director, leads a countdown demonstration event of cryogenic propellant loading April 12, 2019, inside Firing Room 2 in the Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The practice simulation involved loading of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen into the Space Launch System rocket’s core and upper stages to prepare for EM-1. During the tanking exercise, the team worked through surprise issues in real-time. The practice countdown events are training opportunities coordinated by Blackwell-Thompson with Exploration Ground Systems.

EM-1 Countdown Demonstration with Cryogenic Loading Simulation

EM-1 Countdown Demonstration with Cryogenic Loading Simulation

Tom Clark, standing, a manager with contractor ERC, works with Quentin Jones and Emily Hadley, both mechanical engineers for the liquid oxygen system, with ERC, during a countdown demonstration event of cryogenic propellant loading April 12, 2019, inside Firing Room 2 in the Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The practice simulation involved loading of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen into the Space Launch System rocket’s core and upper stages to prepare for Exploration Mission-1 (EM-1). During the tanking exercise, the team worked through surprise issues in real-time. The practice countdown events are training opportunities coordinated by EM-1 Launch Director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson with Exploration Ground Systems.

Engineers with NASA and contractor Jacobs monitor their consoles during a countdown demonstration event of cryogenic propellant loading April 12, 2019, inside Firing Room 2 in the Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The practice simulation involved loading of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen into the Space Launch System rocket’s core and upper stages to prepare for Exploration Mission-1 (EM-1). During the tanking exercise, the team worked through surprise issues in real-time. The practice countdown events are training opportunities coordinated by EM-1 Launch Director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson with Exploration Ground Systems.

Engineers with NASA and contractor Jacobs monitor their consoles during a countdown demonstration event of cryogenic propellant loading April 12, 2019, inside Firing Room 2 in the Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The practice simulation involved loading of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen into the Space Launch System rocket’s core and upper stages to prepare for Exploration Mission-1 (EM-1). During the tanking exercise, the team worked through surprise issues in real-time. The practice countdown events are training opportunities coordinated by EM-1 Launch Director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson with Exploration Ground Systems.

Charlie Blackwell-Thompson, at right, Exploration Mission-1 (EM-1) launch director, leads a countdown demonstration event of cryogenic propellant loading April 12, 2019, inside Firing Room 2 in the Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Seated next to her is Jessica Parsons, technical assitant to the launch director. The practice simulation involved loading of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen into the Space Launch System rocket’s core and upper stages to prepare for EM-1. During the tanking exercise, the team worked through surprise issues in real-time. The practice countdown events are training opportunities coordinated by Blackwell-Thompson with Exploration Ground Systems.

From left, Jeremy Graeber, chief NASA test director; Jessica Parsons, technical assistant to the launch director; and Charlie Blackwell-Thompson, Exploration Mission-1 (EM-1) launch director, participate in a countdown demonstration event of cryogenic propellant loading April 12, 2019, inside Firing Room 2 in the Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The practice simulation involved loading of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen into the Space Launch System rocket’s core and upper stages to prepare for Exploration Mission-1 (EM-1). During the tanking exercise, the team worked through surprise issues in real-time. The practice countdown events are training opportunities coordinated by Blackwell-Thompson with Exploration Ground Systems.

Charlie Blackwell-Thompson, standing, Exploration Mission-1 (EM-1) launch director, leads a countdown demonstration event of cryogenic propellant loading April 12, 2019, inside Firing Room 2 in the Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Seated is Roberta Wyrick, spacecraft test conductor with contractor Jacobs. The practice simulation involved loading of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen into the Space Launch System rocket’s core and upper stages to prepare for EM-1. During the tanking exercise, the team worked through surprise issues in real-time. The practice countdown events are training opportunities coordinated by Blackwell-Thompson with Exploration Ground Systems.

Engineers with NASA and contractor Jacobs monitor their consoles during a countdown demonstration event of cryogenic propellant loading April 12, 2019, inside Firing Room 2 in the Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The practice simulation involved loading of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen into the Space Launch System rocket’s core and upper stages to prepare for Exploration Mission-1 (EM-1). During the tanking exercise, the team worked through surprise issues in real-time. The practice countdown events are training opportunities coordinated by EM-1 Launch Director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson with Exploration Ground Systems.

An engineer with NASA monitors his console during a countdown demonstration event of cryogenic propellant loading April 12, 2019, inside Firing Room 2 in the Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The practice simulation involved loading of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen into the Space Launch System rocket’s core and upper stages to prepare for Exploration Mission-1 (EM-1). During the tanking exercise, the team worked through surprise issues in real-time. The practice countdown events are training opportunities coordinated by EM-1 Launch Director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson with Exploration Ground Systems.

Charlie Blackwell-Thompson, far left, Exploration Mission-1 (EM-1) launch director, and engineers with NASA and Jacobs, participate in a countdown demonstration event of cryogenic propellant loading April 12, 2019, inside Firing Room 2 in the Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The practice simulation involved loading of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen into the Space Launch System rocket’s core and upper stages to prepare for EM-1. During the tanking exercise, the team worked through surprise issues in real-time. The practice countdown events are training opportunities coordinated by Blackwell-Thompson with Exploration Ground Systems.

From left, Jeremy Graeber, chief NASA test director; Jessica Parsons, technical assistant to the launch director; and Charlie Blackwell-Thompson, Exploration Mission-1 (EM-1) launch director, participate in a countdown demonstration event of cryogenic propellant loading April 12, 2019, inside Firing Room 2 in the Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The practice simulation involved loading of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen into the Space Launch System rocket’s core and upper stages to prepare for Exploration Mission-1 (EM-1). During the tanking exercise, the team worked through surprise issues in real-time. The practice countdown events are training opportunities coordinated by Blackwell-Thompson with Exploration Ground Systems.

Members of the Artemis I launch team, including personnel with NASA’s Exploration Ground Systems (EGS) and contractor Jacobs, monitor activities during the ninth formal terminal countdown simulation inside Firing Room 2 in the Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on June 24, 2021. This is part of a series of simulations to help the team prepare for the launch of Artemis I, the uncrewed first flight of the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft.

Chief of the Test, Launch and Recovery Operations Branch within the Exploration Ground Systems (EGS) Program Jeremy Graeber monitors activities during the ninth formal terminal countdown simulation inside Firing Room 1 in the Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on June 24, 2021. Members of the Artemis I launch team include personnel with EGS and contractor Jacobs. This is part of a series of simulations to help the team prepare for the launch of Artemis I, the uncrewed first flight of the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft.

Members of the Artemis I launch team, including personnel with NASA’s Exploration Ground Systems (EGS) and contractor Jacobs, monitor activities during the ninth formal terminal countdown simulation inside Firing Room 1 in the Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on June 24, 2021. This is part of a series of simulations to help the team prepare for the launch of Artemis I, the uncrewed first flight of the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft.

Members of the Artemis I launch team, including personnel with NASA’s Exploration Ground Systems (EGS) and contractor Jacobs, monitor activities during the ninth formal terminal countdown simulation inside Firing Room 1 in the Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on June 24, 2021. This is part of a series of simulations to help the team prepare for the launch of Artemis I, the uncrewed first flight of the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft.

Members of the Artemis I launch team, including personnel with NASA’s Exploration Ground Systems (EGS) and contractor Jacobs, monitor activities during the ninth formal terminal countdown simulation inside Firing Room 2 in the Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on June 24, 2021. This is part of a series of simulations to help the team prepare for the launch of Artemis I, the uncrewed first flight of the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft.

Chief of the Test, Launch and Recovery Operations Branch within the Exploration Ground Systems (EGS) Program Jeremy Graeber, (left) and Artemis I Launch Director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson (right), along with members of the Artemis I launch team, including personnel with EGS and contractor Jacobs, monitor activities during the ninth formal terminal countdown simulation inside Firing Room 1 in the Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on June 24, 2021. This is part of a series of simulations to help the team prepare for the launch of Artemis I, the uncrewed first flight of the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft.

Artemis I Launch Director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson monitors activities during the ninth formal terminal countdown simulation inside Firing Room 1 in the Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on June 24, 2021. Members of the Artemis I launch team include personnel with NASA’s Exploration Ground Systems (EGS) and contractor Jacobs. This is part of a series of simulations to help the team prepare for the launch of Artemis I, the uncrewed first flight of the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft.

Members of the Artemis I launch team, including personnel with NASA’s Exploration Ground Systems (EGS) and contractor Jacobs, monitor activities during the ninth formal terminal countdown simulation inside Firing Room 1 in the Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on June 24, 2021. This is part of a series of simulations to help the team prepare for the launch of Artemis I, the uncrewed first flight of the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft.

Artemis I launch team member Joshua Jones monitors activities during the ninth formal terminal countdown simulation inside Firing Room 1 in the Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on June 24, 2021. The Artemis I launch team includes personnel with NASA’s Exploration Ground Systems (EGS) and contractor Jacobs. This is part of a series of simulations to help the team prepare for the launch of Artemis I, the uncrewed first flight of the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft.

An Artemis launch team member participates in the Artemis III terminal countdown simulation on Thursday, May 7, 2026, inside Firing Room 1 of the Rocco A. Petrone Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This marked the first simulation the launch team performed ahead of Artemis III.

Maria Zapata, test conductor, participates in the Artemis III terminal countdown simulation on Thursday, May 7, 2026, inside Firing Room 1 of the Rocco A. Petrone Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This marked the first simulation the launch team performed ahead of Artemis III.

Charlie Blackwell-Thompson, launch director, Exploration Ground Systems Program, participates in the Artemis III terminal countdown simulation on Thursday, May 7, 2026, inside Firing Room 1 of the Rocco A. Petrone Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This marked the first simulation the launch team performed ahead of Artemis III.

Maria Zapata, test conductor, participates in the Artemis III terminal countdown simulation on Thursday, May 7, 2026, inside Firing Room 1 of the Rocco A. Petrone Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This marked the first simulation the launch team performed ahead of Artemis III.

Charlie Blackwell-Thompson, launch director, Exploration Ground Systems Program, participates in the Artemis III terminal countdown simulation on Thursday, May 7, 2026, inside Firing Room 1 of the Rocco A. Petrone Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This marked the first simulation the launch team performed ahead of Artemis III.

Jeremy Graeber, assistant launch director, Exploration Ground Systems Program, participates in the Artemis III terminal countdown simulation on Thursday, May 7, 2026, inside Firing Room 1 of the Rocco A. Petrone Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This marked the first simulation the launch team performed ahead of Artemis III.

An Artemis launch team member participates in the Artemis III terminal countdown simulation on Thursday, May 7, 2026, inside Firing Room 1 of the Rocco A. Petrone Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This marked the first simulation the launch team performed ahead of Artemis III.

An Artemis launch team member participates in the Artemis III terminal countdown simulation on Thursday, May 7, 2026, inside Firing Room 1 of the Rocco A. Petrone Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This marked the first simulation the launch team performed ahead of Artemis III.

Jeremy Graeber, assistant launch director, Exploration Ground Systems Program, participates in the Artemis III terminal countdown simulation on Thursday, May 7, 2026, inside Firing Room 1 of the Rocco A. Petrone Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This marked the first simulation the launch team performed ahead of Artemis III.

An Artemis launch team member participates in the Artemis III terminal countdown simulation on Thursday, May 7, 2026, inside Firing Room 1 of the Rocco A. Petrone Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This marked the first simulation the launch team performed ahead of Artemis III.

Jeff Spaulding, senior NASA test director, Exploration Ground Systems Program, participates in the Artemis III terminal countdown simulation on Thursday, May 7, 2026, inside Firing Room 1 of the Rocco A. Petrone Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This marked the first simulation the launch team performed ahead of Artemis III.

Vanessa Stroh, project engineer, Exploration Ground Systems Program, participates in the Artemis III terminal countdown simulation on Thursday, May 7, 2026, inside Firing Room 1 of the Rocco A. Petrone Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This marked the first simulation the launch team performed ahead of Artemis III.

From left to right, Dmitriy Bank, NASA test director, and Paul Sierpinski, Artemis assistant landing and recovery director, participate in the Artemis III terminal countdown simulation on Thursday, May 7, 2026, inside Firing Room 1 of the Rocco A. Petrone Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This marked the first simulation the launch team performed ahead of Artemis III.

Sierra Sewdass, test conductor, participates in the Artemis III terminal countdown simulation on Thursday, May 7, 2026, inside Firing Room 1 of the Rocco A. Petrone Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This marked the first simulation the launch team performed ahead of Artemis III.

Artemis launch team members are seen in Firing Room 1 of NASA Kennedy's Launch Control Center in Florida for an Artemis III cryogenic propellant loading simulation on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. This marked the first simulation the launch team performed ahead of Artemis III.

Artemis launch project engineers Aaron Sherman (left) Tony Bartolone (center), and Anton Kiriwas, senior technical integration manager, Exploration Ground Systems Program, are seen participating in the Artemis III cryogenic propellant loading launch simulation on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, inside Firing Room 1 of the Rocco A. Petrone Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This marked the first simulation the launch team performed ahead of Artemis III.

Joshua Jones, Artemis cryogenics manager, participates in the Artemis III cryogenic propellant loading launch simulation on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, inside Firing Room 1 of the Rocco A. Petrone Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This marked the first simulation the launch team performed ahead of Artemis III.

Artemis launch team members are seen in Firing Room 1 of NASA Kennedy's Launch Control Center in Florida for an Artemis III cryogenic propellant loading simulation on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. This marked the first simulation the launch team performed ahead of Artemis III.