The Space Launch System

The Space Launch System is NASA's plan to get us off Earth and finally to Mars and further destinations in the solar system. The Space Launch System (SLS) will be the rocket that carries the Orion spacecraft and a small crew of astronauts out into our solar system. Replacing the retired Space Shuttle and following the cancellation of the Constellation program, the SLS is the future of NASA's program.

Early development of the SLS began on September 14, 2011, as NASA announces it as the design of the next launch system.

Vehicle Description

Shuttle-derived Boosters

The SLS core of four engines. These are modified versions of engines that were left over from the Space Shuttle program. The system will also incorporate two five-segment solid rocket boosters which will be the main engine taking the SLS to the stars.

Upper Stage

The upper stage of the rocket system will vary depending on the mission. The SLS will be able to handle 95 metric ton payloads to low Earth orbit. With the Exploration Upper Stage, the SLS will be able to send the same payload farther past low-Earth orbit.

There are also several other upper stages planned. These stages can be used for robotic exploration of Jupiter's water-ice moon Europa, or even to eventually take astronauts to Mars! Missions

The first scheduled mission is June 2020 and is planned to be an unmanned trip around the Moon!

June 2020: Lunar Orbit, 25 days, No Crew
June 2022: Lunar Flyby, 9 days, 4 Astronauts
2023: Jovian Orbit, 6 years, No Crew
2030: Mars orbit, 2 years, 4 Astronauts

Additional Resources

The Space Launch System - https://www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/sls/index.html
The Orion Spacecraft - https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/products/orion.html
Planned SLS and Orion Missions - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proposed_SLS_and_Orion_missions