On October 28, NASA specialists completed an important stage of preparation for the Artemis III mission: the core stage of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket was integrated with two solid rocket boosters. The work was carried out in the third high bay of the Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Technicians moved the 212-foot (approximately 65 meters) rocket stage from the second high bay of the building using a unique lifting beam specially designed for this operation. This equipment allows for the safe movement of large rocket components between different zones of the assembly complex. Integration of the core stage with the boosters is one of the key stages in preparing the rocket for launch. The Artemis III mission is considered part of NASA's program to return humans to the lunar surface, including landing astronauts near the Moon's south pole. The Artemis program provides for phased development of lunar infrastructure and subsequent missions to Mars. The SLS rocket, one of the most powerful in the history of spaceflight, is being developed to launch both crew in the Orion capsule and cargo necessary for long-term presence on the Moon. NASA continues to prepare the remaining components of the rocket and spacecraft for subsequent assembly stages before the mission launch.