In 2019, ARES was selected as NASA’s prime contractor for the Exploration Ground Systems (EGS) Program (LX) Support Services Contract, known as KLXS III. On this contract, ARES provides engineering and technical services including program management, system engineering for ground and spaceflight systems, technical integration, operations analysis, configuration management, and program information technology support.
This was a pivotal time for NASA, as the Agency prepared for the launch of of the Orion spacecraft and Space Launch System rocket as part of the Artemis I mission. Artemis is a series of increasingly complex missions to establish a long-term human presence on the Moon, and to gain the experience, technology, and partnerships necessary to send the first astronauts to Mars. The focus of the Artemis I mission was to demonstrate the Orion system in a spaceflight environment and ensure the capability for safe re-entry, descent, splashdown, and recovery.
Through strong performance and strategic partnership, ARES helped the Exploration Ground Systems Program complete the first successful Artemis mission. Launched on November 16th, 2022, the mission lasted for 25 days, 10 hours, and 53 minutes, traveling a grand total of 1.4 million miles. On December 11th, the Orion crew module successfully splashed down in the Pacific Ocean. ARES also supported the recovery of the Orion module through our support on the Human Space Flight Support contract.
The ARES Team continues to steer for the curve ahead, exceeding customer expectations and excelling in mission performance. Our team is excited to support future Artemis missions and advance the state of human knowledge through space exploration.
