ULA details enlarged Centaur upper stage for NASA Artemis missions

(SpaceEnergy) United Launch Alliance has outlined a larger hydrogen-fuelled Centaur upper stage for NASA's Artemis lunar programme, featuring approximately 50% more propellant capacity than the existing Centaur V.

The company announced on 23 October that it is collaborating with NASA on the development of the 180K Centaur V upper stage for future Space Launch System (SLS) missions.

NASA has prioritised development of the enlarged stage, including a qualification test unit and a flight unit intended to support an Artemis launch in 2028.

The proposed Centaur Exploration configuration will incorporate longer propellant tanks to increase the amount of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen carried, improving performance during trans-lunar injection.

Additional modifications include replacing the existing stainless-steel tank material with alloy 718, enlarging the hydrazine tanks and upgrading avionics and software.

ULA will also undertake work towards human-rating the upper stage for missions carrying astronauts aboard NASA's Orion spacecraft.

The company previously supplied the Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (ICPS) for Artemis I and II and has completed a third ICPS awaiting delivery to NASA.

ULA said the enlarged Centaur will be manufactured at its Decatur, Alabama, facility before transportation to Cape Canaveral, Florida, for integration with the SLS launch vehicle.

The company did not disclose the development contract's financial value or a timetable for qualification testing.