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Amentum delivered advanced end-to-end ground systems engineering for a key Artemis II launch rehearsal at the Kennedy Space Center on December 20. The Countdown Demonstration Test (CDDT) simulated launch day operations for the integrated Orion spacecraft and Space Launch System (SLS). During the Artemis II mission, Orion will carry four astronauts on an approximately 10-day journey around the Moon and back. It will be propelled by the SLS, the most powerful and capable rocket NASA has ever built.
“As the first crewed mission on NASA's path to establishing a long-term presence on the Moon, Artemis II represents a groundbreaking step in human space exploration,” said Mark Walter, Amentum’s president of Engineering & Technology. “The successful execution of the Countdown Demonstration Test highlights the depth and breadth of Amentum’s capabilities, including launch vehicle integration, spacecraft processing, and ground systems engineering. With this critical milestone we continue to demonstrate our commitment to excellence in high consequence launch operations.”
Under NASA’s Exploration Ground Systems (EGS) program, Amentum provides engineering and systems integration for Artemis II. Amentum is responsible for modernizing ground equipment, integrating launch vehicles, and assisting with launch, recovery, and overall operations for Orion and the SLS.
Amentum played a direct role in the configuration and systems performance of the crew module during the CDDT full vehicle power-up. The company mobilized more than 300 personnel across critical functions including countdown operations and field support. Key team members also assumed critical roles in the Firing Room, the heart of NASA’s Launch Control Center, where engineers conduct pre-launch checks, monitor systems, and issue commands to the rocket and spacecraft.
Finally, Amentum provided support on the Launch Control System (LCS), the software backbone of the Firing Room. LCS enabled real-time data processing, remote command and control, and comprehensive data recording throughout the test, ensuring safe and efficient operations. This critical software infrastructure is essential to every phase of integrated testing and launch countdown.
Artemis II is expected to launch no later than April 2026.
