• ULA built Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (ICPS) upper stage for Boeing enables Astronauts on Artemis II mission to orbit the Moon
• ICPS delivered Orion and the astronauts to high-Earth orbit enabling Orion to gather speed for the initial push towards the Moon
• ULA’s dedicated Denver-based Ascent team provided real-time support to NASA during ICPS portion of the mission
• ULA is honored to support our astronaut crew on this historic mission

Kennedy Space Center, Fla., (April 1, 2026) – The United Launch Alliance (ULA) upper stage called the Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (ICPS), built in collaboration with Boeing, made history by propelling the NASA Artemis II astronauts into high-Earth orbit enabling their trajectory towards the Moon.

“We are honored to be entrusted with the lives of our noble astronauts and play a critical role in enabling the next phase of human space exploration,” said John Elbon, ULA’s interim CEO. “Along with positioning the astronauts in orbit to head towards the Moon, our Ascent team in Denver supported key NASA decision makers monitoring the health and performance of ICPS during the Space Launch System’s (SLS) climb to space.” 

Shortly after liftoff and first stage separation, the ICPS upper stage propelled Orion and the crew for two Earth orbit maneuvers and then separated from Orion into a high-Earth orbit sending the spacecraft to traverse to lunar orbit. After successful separation from Orion, ICPS entered another phase of support, becoming a target for proximity operations by the astronauts. These operations provided performance data and operational experience for the astronauts as they prepare for future rendezvous and docking operations beginning on Artemis III.  

“The SLS rocket including the ICPS, a precision upper stage, provided the final push to Orion to set it on a path towards the Moon,” Elbon stated, “Our whole team is watching this historic journey and wish God speed to the astronauts. We look forward to the astronaut’s safe return to Earth and are proud of our role in supporting them on the first steps of this journey.” 
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ULA is redefining what’s possible in space by providing innovative rocketry solutions for national security, NASA, and commercial space launches. Our rockets fly directly to the most challenging and distant orbits the nation requires, while delivering the most accurate payload insertions in the world and limitless orbital flexibility. 
 
For more information on ULA, visit the ULA website at www.ulalaunch.com and join the conversation on social media @ulalaunch.   

Mission photos  
Photos by United Launch Alliance