Bechtel Begins Construction For NASA’s Mobile Launcher 2 Project
- Linda Andrews - Editorial Assistant, Family Business United
- Aug 23, 2023
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 24, 2023
Bechtel announced that construction started at the Mobile Launcher 2 project, located at Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida. The milestone was marked by bolting together the first pieces of steel that will become the foundation of the structure. Bechtel is partnering with NASA to build the Mobile Launcher 2 to support NASA’s Artemis mission to send astronauts to the Moon and Mars.
Mobile Launcher 2 will change the landscape at Kennedy Space Center. The new launcher – which will be designed, built, and tested by Bechtel – will grow to more than 390 feet in height and withstand a launch environment of greater than 2,200 degrees Fahrenheit, blast pressures of more than 130 psi, and thrust of more than 8.9 million pounds. This infrastructure will safely service the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket.
"I am proud of our team for achieving this significant milestone in partnership with NASA,” said Bechtel Project Manager, Felice Presti.
“It is incredible to see the complex designs of my Bechtel colleagues come together in this new, innovative structure that will support the SLS rocket and NASA’s Artemis mission to further deep space exploration. I look forward to continuing safe progress on the mobile launcher as we work from bolting to liftoff.”
As the Artemis mission progresses, the SLS rocket will adapt to meet the demands of each unique mission. The SLS rocket is designed to evolve as necessary to carry the Orion spacecraft, four astronauts, and their support equipment to the Moon.
Beginning construction on Mobile Launcher 2 underscores Bechtel’s ongoing commitment to the mission and the community.
The Bechtel-led team has awarded more than $100 million in procurements in the local area, and over $425 million around the United States through partnerships in 33 states and growing.
In the months ahead, additional steel trusses and girders from our team of suppliers around the country will arrive at Kennedy Space Center, be prepared through a specialized blasting and coating process, and eventually assembled at the Parksite.
