NASA announces the Space Launch System with new rocket
Artist's concept of an SLS launch (NASA image)
Today NASA announced plans for its long awaited heavy-lift vehicle program. Dubbed the Space Launch System or SLS, this $35 billion program will produce rockets larger than that of the Apollo era. It will be powerful enough to launch astronauts to the asteroids and to Mars.
The SLS system will be the first to launch astronauts into space beyond low Earth orbit since the Apollo program, leaving transportation to the International Space Station for commercial vendors.
Space Shuttle Technology
The Space Shuttle is considered to be one of the most complex machines ever built. With over 2.5 million parts and almost 370 kms (230 miles) of wire, the shuttle also contains more than 1,140 circuit breakers and is insulated with more than 27,000 thermal blankets. Much of the technology used in the Space Shuttle program will be incorporated into SLS. Like the Space Shuttle, the SLS rocket will use liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen for its core stage propulsion system.
As well, the solid rocket booster used on the Space Shuttle will do the same job for the SLS rocket. The crew vehicle, Orion, will be used in the new system. This vehicle is from the Constellation program. It had been cancelled and subsequently re-instated.
A Powerful Booster
The Saturn V of the Apollo program with its 34.02 million newton thrust and 118,000 kg lift capacity is still the most powerful rocket ever successfully flown. The rocket of SLS sytem will initially have a lift capacity of 70,000 but will evolve to 130,000 kg.
Evolvable Development
By using an evolvable development strategy, NASA is able to save money by spending on the high-cost development early in the program. This strategy allows for the system to evolve over time, based on its initial development. It also allows for flexible configurations as the maximum lift capacity may not be needed for all missions. The first mission of the SLS system is scheduled for the end of 2017.
High Paying Employment
It is no secret that the creation of good paying jobs is a top priority for many Western countries. By going ahead with the SLS system many of these jobs will be created and new innovations and possibly new industries will follow. The SLS system will ensure that the United States continues with its leadership role in space.
Video
Below we have embedded a video of a launch of the SLS rocket from the NASA website. To download a copy of this video you may do so from the NASA website. As well, we have provided a smaller file size version converted to MP4 in our Educator Centre here.
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