Symbolically, just in time for World UFO Day, celebrated on July 2, an object resembling a flying saucer arrived at a NASA facility — one that could make anyone believe in an alien visit. However, this is not an extraterrestrial spacecraft, but a completely Earth-made technology: a giant protective cover for the core stage of the super-heavy Space Launch System (SLS) rocket. This component is extremely important for the preparation of the Artemis III mission, whose launch is scheduled for mid-2027.
If this object were flying through the night sky with its lights on, it would undoubtedly cause a sensation and panic. However, it was delivered in a very ordinary way — aboard NASA’s huge 94-meter barge called Pegasus, which travels through the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. This vessel transports the massive core stage of the SLS mega-rocket, which is set to play a key role in the missions leading up to humanity’s return to the Moon.
When the rocket is placed on the launch pad at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, this flying saucer will turn into a reliable shield. Its main task is to protect the core stage and its sensitive thermal protection system from the harsh and often unpredictable weather of the notorious local “Space Coast.”
It is always fascinating to see the visual aesthetics of science fiction intersect with real engineering solutions. The design of this protective element has a retrofuturistic look. One cannot help but wonder: perhaps those iconic cinematic images of flying saucers from the 1950s inspired engineers to create such a refined aerodynamic shape?
However, regardless of the source of inspiration, the functionality of this UFO is entirely practical and highly responsible. The cover will protect the tallest rocket stage NASA has ever built. This giant stage contains hundreds of thousands of gallons of fuel and carries the enormous weight of the upper stage, payload, and, most importantly, the Orion crew capsule.
Earlier, we shared the TOP 5 interesting facts about NASA’s SLS rocket.
According to Space
