Artemis III SLS Core Stage mated, but uncertainty continues about mission plans and dates

We're still seeing discoveries from the Artemis II imagery simultaneously with Artemis III preparations milestones. NASA is getting the Artemis III SLS Boosters ready to stack while Boeing puts together the SLS Core Stage and Lockheed Martin does the same for the Orion. But NASA still hasn't published or announced some of the choices that need to be made for the Artemis III mission and schedule, so there are still lots of questions about the detailed plans. I'll go through the latest Artemis III milestones and the continuing uncertainty about what happens on the mission and when it might fly. Imagery is courtesy of NASA, except where noted. Artemis II Earth view picture sequence links: Hank Green's video:    • NASA Didn't Even Know!!   Original source:   / a_timelapse_of_earths_nightside_i_created_...   Space Coast Live (http://nsf.live/spacecoast) courtesy of NSF/NASASpaceflight, used with permission @BartlettAdventures MAF tour video:    • I Got Invited to NASA Michoud and This Hap...   Links to social media posts: https://x.com/blueorigin/status/20517... Links to stories referenced: https://arstechnica.com/space/2026/04... https://www.boeing.com/features/2026/... Join the channel for additional members-only content:    / @philipsloss   Or, consider buying me a coffee to support my work and the channel. https://buymeacoffee.com/philipsloss 00:00 Intro 01:48 Boeing rolls out "top four-fifths" of the Artemis III SLS Core Stage from New Orleans 03:40 First visit to Michoud Assembly Facility since the Artemis II stage rollout in 2024 06:58 Some history of the Artemis III Core Stage build 09:45 Touring the factory floor to see the status of the Artemis IV and V builds 15:24 Boeing plans for SLS Core Stage production in VAB High Bay 2 19:40 Final major join of all five Core Stage-3 elements completed during the week in High Bay 2 24:39 Artemis III Watch: Does RFI released hint at low Earth orbit and SLS "spacer?" 27:55 Solar array wings temp installed on Artemis III Orion service module for upcoming acoustic test 28:56 Other news and notes 30:44 Thanks for watching!