The Space Launch System is designed to carry the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle and additional cargo to the Moon and other Solar System destinations. This includes “near-Earth asteroids, Mars and beyond.” (my oh-my-god-space-swoon emphasis).
NASA claims that this new system combines proven elements from the Space Shuttle program and the Constellation program, making it safe and affordable.
Modular Architecture
The new rocket will use the RS-25D/E engine from the Space Shuttle for the mains stage, and the Saturn-derived J-2X engine for the upper stage, running on liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen. On its side you can see two solid rocket boosters for the initial lift off phase.
This power will allow it to carry 70 tonnes at the beginning of its development, but NASA could push it to 130 tonnes in the future thanks to its modular structure, which allows the SLS to use “different core stage, upper stage, and first-stage booster combination” according to the mission requirements.
I can’t wait to see the first launch, which is targeted to the end of 2017. Godspeed in this new endeavour, NASA. [NASA -- Thanks Stephen!]
EckyThump
Thursday, September 15, 2011 at 8:06 AMSee, from the headline I was hoping that they’d managed to get it to test flight status already? 2017! C’mon NASA, you can get up there sooner than that! Having had my little whinge now! 70 to 130 tonnes, holy crap! That’s friggin awesome. Now get up there and get those guys out of the ISS before they start eating each other! #]
olearymo
Thursday, September 15, 2011 at 9:00 AM*cough*theyneedfundingtodoallthatanditsconstantlybeingtakenfromthem*cough*
EckyThump
Thursday, September 15, 2011 at 9:40 AM*cough*Iknow,butIcandreamcan’t*cough* #]
moloko
Thursday, September 15, 2011 at 9:28 AMOh noes, the military needs more funds sorry NASA delayed til 2040
TSH
Thursday, September 15, 2011 at 10:13 AMhaha this.
Nevermind that NASA’s whole budget is equivalent to the maintenance cost of a single aircraft carrier (or something).
What NASA manages to do with the resources it gets – they deserve a great deal more publicity and recognition.
Mike
Thursday, September 15, 2011 at 11:33 AMWhile I agree the military budget is ridiculous, I still don’t think NASA should get the funding it does. 19 Billion is a lotta cash. So uh…WHY is it getting it? To learn more about teh spaze? For what purpose? Seriously, name something great that the ISS has given to the rest of the world with all the money it gets.
Will
Thursday, September 15, 2011 at 2:00 PMHope, dreams, wonder, aspiration, awe, inspiration, motivation, encouragement , marvel, amazement… and the odd bit of scientific research.
jasin jason
Thursday, September 15, 2011 at 8:16 PM+1!
alsanjuro
Friday, September 16, 2011 at 1:30 AMI still can’t believe that NASA comes up with such overpriced huge rocket. Haven’t we made any progress in the technology over what last 50 years. Its a joke. Other than spending money on space exploration they should be spending it on things to help up survive on this planet. Its amazing
Man
Friday, November 11, 2011 at 10:50 AMProtip; A lot of the stuff we got out of the 60′s moon missions is still helping us live on this planet.