NASA reports that for the first time in almost 40 years, a NASA human-rated rocket has completed all steps needed to clear a critical design review (CDR). The Space Launch System (SLS) is the first vehicle designed to meet the challenges of the journey to Mars and the first exploration class rocket since the Saturn V.
SLS will be the most powerful rocket ever built and, with the Orion spacecraft, will launch America into a new era of exploration to destinations beyond Earth orbit. The CDR provided a final look at the design and development of the integrated launch vehicle before full-scale fabrication begins.
Bill Hill of NASA said that they have completed the design of SLS, and that they have successfully completed the first round of testing of the rocket engines and boosters, and all the major components for the first flight are now in production. There have been challenges, and there will be more ahead, but this review gives them confidence that they are on the right track for the first flight of SLS and using it to extend permanent human presence into deep space.
The CDR examined the first of three configurations planned for the rocket, referred to as SLS Block 1. The Block I configuration will have a minimum 70-metric-ton (77-ton) lift capability and be powered by twin boosters and four RS-25 engines. The next planned upgrade of SLS, Block 1B, would use a more powerful exploration upper stage for more ambitious missions with a 105-metric-ton (115-ton) lift capacity. Block 2 will add a pair of advanced solid or liquid propellant boosters to provide a 130-metric-ton (143-ton) lift capacity. In each configuration, SLS will continue to use the same core stage and four RS-25 engines.
Future program reviews will focus on SLS integration and flight readiness. For more information on SLS, visit - www.nasa.gov/sls
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