![]() Why it matters: “The EUS is a fully human-rated stage that enables the full use of the SLS rocket, supporting deep space exploration with meaningful payload capabilities,” said David Dutcher, program manager for SLS. The EUS will carry 40% more payload, enabling NASA to send more than 83,000 pounds (38 metric tons) of cargo on a single crewed mission. What’s happening: The Exploration Upper Stage (EUS) will replace the ICPS beginning with Artemis IV - which sets the foundation for future missions to Mars. But, to get to Mars, SLS will require an evolved configuration – called Block 1B – with a more powerful upper stage to provide even more thrust and power. After lift-off and rocket separation, the SLS upper stage propels the Orion capsule out of Earth’s orbit.įor missions to the moon – Artemis I, II and III – the SLS rocket will fly in what’s called the Block 1 configuration featuring the Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (ICPS) as the upper stage. The Boeing-built core stage powers each SLS launch. Oxidizer: liquid oxygen, delivered at 20.6 kg/sįuel: liquid hydrogen, delivered at 3.Fresh off NASA’s successful Artemis I mission in November, Boeing teams are working to provide core stages, upper stages and avionics for the Space Launch System (SLS) fleet of rockets for future missions. power, can be throttled to 65-111%Īpplication: Interim cryogenic propulsion stage Oxidizer: liquid oxygen, delivered at 445 kg/sįuel: liquid hydrogen, delivered at 74 kg/s Oxidizer: liquid oxygen, delivered at 439 kg/sįuel: liquid hydrogen, delivered at 73 kg/s Length: 19.1 m (Block 1, 1B), 31.1 m (Block 2)Īpplication: SLS core stage, until supply runs out INTERIM CRYOGENIC PROPULSION STAGE (BLOCK 1)ĭry mass: 3,765 kg + ≈5,000 kg aft interstageĭiameter: 5.0 m (Block 1, 1B), 8.4 m (Block 1B), 10.0 m (Block 2) SHUTTLE-DERIVED SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS (BLOCK 1 & 1B) Launch thrust: 39 MN (Block 1, 1B), 41 MN (Block 2)Ĭontractors: Boeing, United Launch Alliance, Orbital ATK, Aerojet Rocketdyne Overall length: 98 to 111 m (including payload) Principal uses: Orion MPCV and cargo to deep space Numbers are likely to change as design and development progresses. ![]() Note that SLS specifications vary by date and source. SLS will use the ground operations and launch facilities at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Florida.ĭuring the joint Senate-NASA presentation in September 2011, it was stated that the SLS program has a projected development cost of $18 billion through 2017, with $10 billion for the SLS rocket, $6 billion for the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle and $2 billion for upgrades to the launch pad and other facilities at Kennedy Space Center. The SLS will launch the Orion Crew and Service Module and may support trips to the International Space Station if necessary. These upgrades will allow the SLS to lift astronauts and hardware to various beyond-LEO destinations: on a circumlunar trajectory as part of Exploration Mission 1 with Block 1, to a near-Earth asteroid in Exploration Mission 2 with Block 1B, and to Mars with Block 2. Block 2 will replace the initial Shuttle-derived boosters with advanced boosters and is planned to have a LEO capability of more than 130 metric tons to meet the congressional requirement. Its initial Block 1 version is to lift a payload of 70 metric tons to low Earth orbit (LEO), which will be increased with the debut of Block 1B and the Exploration Upper Stage. The SLS launch vehicle is to be upgraded over time with more powerful versions. ![]() SLS will be the world's most powerful rocket with 20% more thrust than Saturn V and a comparable payload capacity. ![]() The NASA Authorization Act of 2010 envisions the transformation of the Constellation program's Ares I and Ares V vehicle designs into a single launch vehicle usable for both crew and cargo, similar to the Ares IV. It follows the cancellation of the Constellation program, and is to replace the retired Space Shuttle. The Space Launch System (SLS) is an American Space Shuttle-derived heavy expendable launch vehicle being designed by NASA. Space Launchers - Space Launch System Space Launch System (SLS) ![]()
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