Sarens lifts tower segment for NASA’s ML2

The project is part of NASA’s broader Artemis program, aimed at returning people to the Moon. Photo: Allison Sijers

Sarens completed the first major tower lift for NASA’s Mobile Launcher 2 (ML2), supporting the Artemis IV mission to the moon.

In partnership with Bechtel, Sarens transported, rigged, and installed the Mod 4 tower segment at Kennedy Space Center in the USA, kicking off vertical construction on the launch platform.

Equipment choice

The company used its 1,600 tonne capacity Demag CC 8800 lattice boom crawler crane, shipped in 150 truckloads and assembled on site over three weeks. Also used was a 1,350 tonne capacity Liebherr LR 1350 crawler crane, 24 axle lines of self propelled modular transporter (SPMT), plus custom hydraulic systems.

Despite tight site conditions and challenging weather, a four-person Sarens crew executed the lift safely and precisely, the company said.

Bechtel praised Sarens for its role in multiple construction milestones and confirmed continued collaboration as the remaining six modules are stacked, ultimately adding more than 200 feet (61 metres) to the tower’s height.

Sarens called the project a proud contribution to NASA’s space exploration goals and the Artemis campaign.