Space Launch System

The Space Launch System is an American super heavy-lift expendable launch vehicle developed by NASA. As of 2022, SLS has the highest payload capacity of any rocket in operational service, as well as the greatest liftoff thrust of any rocket in operation. As the primary launch vehicle of the Artemis moon landing program, SLS is designed to launch the crewed Orion spacecraft on a trans-lunar trajectory. The first SLS launch was the uncrewed Artemis 1, which took place on 16 November 2022 after a delay of more than six years. Development of SLS began in 2011, as a replacement for the retired Space Shuttle as well as the cancelled Ares I and Ares V launch vehicles. As a Shuttle-derived vehicle, the Space Launch System reuses hardware from the Space Shuttle program, including the solid rocket boosters and RS-25 first stage engines. An original flight date of late 2016 was delayed by nearly 6 years.

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NASA's Artemis 2 moon rocket gets 2nd stage even as Trump tries to scrap Space Launch System (photos)

As preps continue, it’s looking more likely NASA will fly the Artemis II mission | The core stage of NASA's Space Launch System is now integrated with the rocket's twin boosters.

NASA's management of Space Launch System Block 1B development - NASA OIG

Boeing sees Space Launch System rocket fit for Pentagon missions

NASA reveals its moon spacecraft was damaged as it plummeted to Earth. Those issues include significant damage to the mobile launcher — the Space Launch System rocket's platform — and the Orion spacecraft's protective heat shield.

Progress Underway on NASA Space Launch System (SLS) Moon Rockets for Artemis II, III, and IV

In 2011, astronauts Neil Armstrong and Gene Cernan, first and last men on the Moon, advocated for Space Shuttles to be put back in service. Armstrong supported NASA's proposed Space Launch System, which the agency said could one day take man to Mars

NASA’s Space Launch System is yesterday’s rocket

NASA’s Space Launch System Rocket Ready for Moon Launch on Artemis I [Video]

Op-ed | The Space Launch System is America’s Space Program

No, seriously, NASA’s Space Launch System is ready to take flight

NASA’s Additional Artemis I Test Objectives for Space Launch System Rocket and Orion Spacecraft

NASA’s Space Launch System Gets Tentative Launch Date of August 29th

NASA Prepares for Space Launch System Rocket Services Contract

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