Space Launch System

The Space Launch System is an American super heavy-lift expendable launch vehicle under development by NASA since 2011. As of March 2022, the first launch is scheduled for no earlier than June 2022, pending the success of a wet dress rehearsal test in March 2022. It replaces the Ares I and Ares V launch vehicles, which were cancelled along with the rest of the Constellation program, a previous program aimed to return to the moon. The SLS is intended to become the successor to the retired Space Shuttle, and the primary launch vehicle of NASA's deep space exploration plans through the 2020s. Crewed lunar flights are planned as part of the Artemis program, leading to a possible human mission to Mars. The SLS is being developed in three major phases with increasing capabilities: Block 1, Block 1B, and Block 2.

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NASA Declares Megarocket Rehearsal Complete, Setting Stage for Inaugural Launch | The much-anticipated first launch of the Space Launch System could happen as early as late August.

NASA Artemis Space Launch System Wet Dress Rehearsal Infographic

Rocket rollout: How NASA's first Artemis Space Launch System move stacks up against Saturn V

Now That is a Big Rocket. Space Launch System Rolls out to the Launch pad for a Series of Tests

Space Launch System: NASA's megarocket for Artemis moon missions

According to a US Auditor, Each Launch of the Space Launch System Will Cost an “Unsustainable” $4.1 Billion

NASA Artemis I Space Launch System (SLS) Rocket and Orion Spacecraft Integrated Testing Update

NASA wants to fly the obsolete Space Launch System for at least 30 years. The alternate scenario, the Starship takes a crew of astronauts from LEO to the moon directly, with no need for the Orion/SLS system.

Artemis 1 Comes Together as the Orion Capsule is Stacked on Top of the Space Launch System

Artemis I Space Launch System Clean Shots

NASA's new moon rocket, the Space Launch System, takes shape in giant hangar

NASA bolts Space Launch System core stage to solid rocket boosters

Space Launch System Core Stage Heads to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center

NASA synchronizes Artemis 1 Orion and Space Launch System (SLS) final assembly schedule ahead of the arrival of the SLS Core Stage at Kennedy Space Center in the late-April.

NASA targets March 18 for a critical engine test of its Space Launch System moon rocket

Stacking Complete for Twin Space Launch System Rocket Boosters

Europa Decision Delivers Crushing Blow To NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS)

Critical engine test for NASA's Space Launch System megarocket shuts down earlier than planned