{"id":630922,"date":"2024-03-12T16:52:04","date_gmt":"2024-03-12T20:52:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/?p=630922"},"modified":"2024-03-14T17:01:27","modified_gmt":"2024-03-14T21:01:27","slug":"nasa-expanding-lunar-exploration-with-upgraded-sls-mega-rocket-design","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/general\/nasa-expanding-lunar-exploration-with-upgraded-sls-mega-rocket-design\/","title":{"rendered":"NASA Expanding Lunar Exploration with Upgraded SLS Mega Rocket Design"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-media hds-module wp-block-image\"><div class=\"margin-left-auto margin-right-auto nasa-block-align-inline\"><div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\"><figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-fit \"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/ssc-20240306-s00106h.jpg\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1362\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/ssc-20240306-s00106h.jpg?w=2048\" class=\"attachment-2048x2048 size-2048x2048\" alt=\"full-duration RS-25 engine hot fire is seen in the background\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/ssc-20240306-s00106h.jpg 5550w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/ssc-20240306-s00106h.jpg?resize=300,199 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/ssc-20240306-s00106h.jpg?resize=768,511 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/ssc-20240306-s00106h.jpg?resize=1024,681 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/ssc-20240306-s00106h.jpg?resize=1536,1021 1536w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/ssc-20240306-s00106h.jpg?resize=2048,1362 2048w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/ssc-20240306-s00106h.jpg?resize=400,266 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/ssc-20240306-s00106h.jpg?resize=600,399 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/ssc-20240306-s00106h.jpg?resize=900,598 900w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/ssc-20240306-s00106h.jpg?resize=1200,798 1200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/ssc-20240306-s00106h.jpg?resize=2000,1330 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" loading=\"eager\" \/><\/a><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\"><div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">A final round of certification testing for production of new RS-25 engines to power the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket, beginning with Artemis V, is underway at NASA\u2019s Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi.<em>\u00a0 <\/em>Block 1B will also be built to house new-production RS-25 core stage engines that will operate routinely at 111% of their rated power versus the Block 1 RS-25 engines that operate at 109%, providing almost 2,000 more pounds of payload to the Moon.<\/div><div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA<\/div><\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p><em>By: Martin Burkey<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As NASA prepares for its first crewed Artemis missions, the agency is making preparations to build, test, and assemble the next evolution of its <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/image-article\/illustration-of-expanded-view-of-block-ib-configuration\/\">SLS (Space Launch System)<\/a> rocket. The larger and more powerful version of SLS, known as Block 1B, can send a crew and large pieces of hardware to the Moon in a single launch and is set to debut for the Artemis IV mission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cFrom the beginning, NASA\u2019s Space Launch System was designed to evolve into more powerful crew and cargo configurations to provide a flexible platform as we seek to explore more of our solar system,\u201d said John Honeycutt, SLS Program manager. \u201cEach of the evolutionary changes made to the SLS engines, boosters, and upper stage of the SLS rocket are built on the successes of the Block 1 design that flew first with Artemis I in November 2022 and will, again, for the first crewed missions for Artemis II and III.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Early manufacturing is already underway at NASA\u2019s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, while <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/centers-and-facilities\/stennis\/nasa-stennis-continues-preparations-for-future-artemis-testing\/\">preparations for the green run test series<\/a> for its upgraded upper stage are in progress at nearby Stennis Space Center in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>New Upgrades for Bolder Missions<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-media hds-module wp-block-image\"><div class=\"margin-left-auto margin-right-auto nasa-block-align-inline\"><div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\"><figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-fit \"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/image-article\/illustration-of-expanded-view-of-block-ib-configuration\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1041\" height=\"763\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/sls_block_1b_poster-expanded_copy.jpg?w=1041\" class=\"attachment-2048x2048 size-2048x2048\" alt=\"Expanded view of the next configuration of NASA's Space Launch System rocket\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/sls_block_1b_poster-expanded_copy.jpg 1041w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/sls_block_1b_poster-expanded_copy.jpg?resize=300,220 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/sls_block_1b_poster-expanded_copy.jpg?resize=768,563 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/sls_block_1b_poster-expanded_copy.jpg?resize=1024,751 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/sls_block_1b_poster-expanded_copy.jpg?resize=400,293 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/sls_block_1b_poster-expanded_copy.jpg?resize=600,440 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/sls_block_1b_poster-expanded_copy.jpg?resize=900,660 900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1041px) 100vw, 1041px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p>While using the same basic core stage and solid rocket booster design, and related components as the Block 1, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/image-detail\/illustration-of-expanded-view-of-block-ib-configuration-2\/\">Block 1B<\/a> features two big evolutionary changes that will make NASA\u2019s workhorse rocket even more capable for future missions to the Moon and beyond. A more powerful second stage and an adapter for large cargos will expand the possibilities for future Artemis missions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThe Space Launch System Block 1B rocket will be the primary transportation for astronauts to the Moon for years to come,\u201d said James Burnum, deputy manager of the NASA Block 1B Development Office. \u201cWe are building on the SLS Block 1 design, testing, and flight experience to develop safe, reliable transportation that will send bigger and heavier hardware to the Moon in a single launch than existing rockets.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-media hds-module wp-block-image\"><div class=\"margin-left-auto margin-right-auto nasa-block-align-inline\"><div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\"><figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-fit \"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/image-article\/rocket-moon-what-exploration-upper-stage\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1041\" height=\"781\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/exploration_upper_stage_infographic_03232021_0.jpg?w=1041\" class=\"attachment-2048x2048 size-2048x2048\" alt=\"Space Launch System Exploration Upper Stage infographic.\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 40% 8%; object-position: 40% 8%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/exploration_upper_stage_infographic_03232021_0.jpg 1041w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/exploration_upper_stage_infographic_03232021_0.jpg?resize=300,225 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/exploration_upper_stage_infographic_03232021_0.jpg?resize=768,576 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/exploration_upper_stage_infographic_03232021_0.jpg?resize=1024,768 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/exploration_upper_stage_infographic_03232021_0.jpg?resize=400,300 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/exploration_upper_stage_infographic_03232021_0.jpg?resize=600,450 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/exploration_upper_stage_infographic_03232021_0.jpg?resize=900,675 900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1041px) 100vw, 1041px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p>The in-space stage used to send the first three Artemis missions to the Moon, called the interim cryogenic propulsion stage (ICPS), uses a single engine and will be replaced by a larger, more powerful four-engine stage called the exploration upper stage (EUS). A different battery is among the many changes that will allow EUS to support the first eight hours of the mission following launch compared to the current ICPS two hours. All new hardware and software will be designed and tested to meet the different performance and environmental requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The other configuration change is a universal stage adapter that connects the rocket to the Orion spacecraft. It also offers more than 10,000 cubic feet (286 cubic meters) of space to carry large components, such as modules for NASA\u2019s future <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/reference\/nasas-gateway-program\/\">Gateway<\/a> outpost that will be in lunar orbit to support crew between surface missions and unique <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/missions\/artemis\/lunar-gateway-science-payloads\/\">opportunities for science<\/a> at the Moon.<\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-media hds-module wp-block-image\"><div class=\"margin-left-auto margin-right-auto nasa-block-align-inline\"><div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\"><figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-fit \"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/maf-20240222-eus-vstrut05.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1366\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/maf-20240222-eus-vstrut05.jpg?w=2048\" class=\"attachment-2048x2048 size-2048x2048\" alt=\": Technicians at NASA\u2019s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans on Feb. 22 prepare elements that will form part of the midbody for the exploration upper stage. The midbody struts, or V-struts, will create the cage-like outer structure of the midbody that will connect the upper stage\u2019s large liquid hydrogen tank to the smaller liquid oxygen tank. Manufacturing flight and test hardware for the future upper stage is a collaborative effort between NASA and Boeing, the lead contractor for EUS and the SLS core stage.\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/maf-20240222-eus-vstrut05.jpg 5768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/maf-20240222-eus-vstrut05.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/maf-20240222-eus-vstrut05.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/maf-20240222-eus-vstrut05.jpg?resize=1024,683 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/maf-20240222-eus-vstrut05.jpg?resize=1536,1024 1536w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/maf-20240222-eus-vstrut05.jpg?resize=2048,1366 2048w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/maf-20240222-eus-vstrut05.jpg?resize=400,267 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/maf-20240222-eus-vstrut05.jpg?resize=600,400 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/maf-20240222-eus-vstrut05.jpg?resize=900,600 900w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/maf-20240222-eus-vstrut05.jpg?resize=1200,800 1200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/maf-20240222-eus-vstrut05.jpg?resize=2000,1334 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\"><div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">Technicians at NASA\u2019s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans on Feb. 22 prepare elements that will form part of the midbody for the exploration upper stage. The midbody struts, or V-struts, will create the cage-like outer structure of the midbody that will connect the upper stage\u2019s large liquid hydrogen tank to the smaller liquid oxygen tank. Manufacturing flight and test hardware for the future upper stage is a collaborative effort between NASA and Boeing, the lead contractor for EUS and the SLS core stage. <\/div><\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Together, those upgrades will increase the payload capability for SLS from 59,000 pounds (27 metric tons) to approximately 84,000 pounds (38 metric tons). The four RL10 engines that will be used during the exploration upper stage green run test series at Stennis are complete, and work on the Artemis IV core stage is in progress at nearby Michoud.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>More Opportunities<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The evolved design also gives astronaut explorers more launch opportunities on a path to intercept the Moon. With four times the engines and almost four times the propellant and thrust of ICPS, the EUS also enables two daily launch opportunities compared to Block 1\u2019s more limited lunar launch availability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Among other capabilities, both astronauts and ground teams will be able to communicate with the in-space stage and safely control it while using Orion\u2019s docking system to extract components destined for Gateway from the stage adapter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>NASA is working to land the first woman, first person of color, and its first international partner astronaut on the Moon under Artemis. SLS is part of NASA\u2019s backbone for deep space exploration, along with Orion and the Gateway in orbit around the Moon and commercial human landing systems, next-generation spacesuits, and rovers on the lunar surface. SLS is the only rocket that can send Orion, astronauts, and supplies to the Moon in a single launch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">News Media Contact<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Corinne Beckinger<br>Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Ala.<br>256.544.0034<br><a href=\"mailto:corinne.m.beckinger@nasa.gov\">corinne.m.beckinger@nasa.gov<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>By: Martin Burkey As NASA prepares for its first crewed Artemis missions, the agency is making preparations to build, test, and assemble the next evolution of its SLS (Space Launch System) rocket. The larger and more powerful version of SLS, known as Block 1B, can send a crew and large pieces of hardware to the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":35,"featured_media":630932,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nasa_hds_core_meta_l10n":"en-US","nasa_hds_core_meta_article_editor":"","nasa_hds_core_meta_article_contacts":[],"nasa_hds_core_meta_article_topic":"","nasa_hds_core_meta_linked_locations":[],"nasa_hds_core_meta_article_related_articles":[],"hds_migrate_meta_pr_release_id":"","hds_migrate_meta_pr_release_type":"","nasa_hds_core_meta_location_x":"","nasa_hds_core_meta_location_y":"","nasa_hds_core_meta_gallery_images":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[1,2681,2920,2864,2865,3784],"news-tags":[12348],"internal-terms":[3939,10645,4984,3919,3920,3942],"coauthors":[8391],"parsely":{"version":"1.1.0","meta":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","headline":"NASA Expanding Lunar Exploration with Upgraded SLS Mega Rocket Design","url":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/general\/nasa-expanding-lunar-exploration-with-upgraded-sls-mega-rocket-design\/","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/general\/nasa-expanding-lunar-exploration-with-upgraded-sls-mega-rocket-design\/"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/maf-20240222-eus-vstrut05.jpg?w=150&h=150&crop=1","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/maf-20240222-eus-vstrut05.jpg"},"articleSection":"General","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Lee Mohon"}],"creator":["Lee Mohon"],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"NASA","logo":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/themes\/nasa\/assets\/images\/nasa-logo.svg"},"keywords":["NASA Directorates","Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate","Common Exploration Systems Development Division","Space Launch System (SLS)","General","Artemis","Artemis 4","Marshall Space Flight Center","Michoud Assembly Facility"],"dateCreated":"2024-03-12T20:52:04Z","datePublished":"2024-03-12T20:52:04Z","dateModified":"2024-03-14T21:01:27Z"},"rendered":"<meta name=\"parsely-title\" content=\"NASA Expanding Lunar Exploration with Upgraded SLS Mega Rocket Design\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-link\" content=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/general\/nasa-expanding-lunar-exploration-with-upgraded-sls-mega-rocket-design\/\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-type\" content=\"post\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-image-url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/maf-20240222-eus-vstrut05.jpg?w=150&h=150&crop=1\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-pub-date\" content=\"2024-03-12T20:52:04Z\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-section\" content=\"General\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-tags\" content=\"NASA Directorates,Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate,Common Exploration Systems Development Division,Space Launch System (SLS),General,Artemis,Artemis 4,Marshall Space Flight Center,Michoud Assembly Facility\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-author\" content=\"Lee Mohon\" \/>","tracker_url":"https:\/\/cdn.parsely.com\/keys\/nasa.gov\/p.js"},"read_time":4,"time_ago":"3 months","featured_image":{"id":630932,"file":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/maf-20240222-eus-vstrut05.jpg","title":"maf-20240222-eus-vstrut05","alt":": Technicians at NASA\u2019s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans on Feb. 22 prepare elements that will form part of the midbody for the exploration upper stage. The midbody struts, or V-struts, will create the cage-like outer structure of the midbody that will connect the upper stage\u2019s large liquid hydrogen tank to the smaller liquid oxygen tank. Manufacturing flight and test hardware for the future upper stage is a collaborative effort between NASA and Boeing, the lead contractor for EUS and the SLS core stage.","caption":": Technicians at NASA\u2019s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans on Feb. 22 prepare elements that will form part of the midbody for the exploration upper stage. The midbody struts, or V-struts, will create the cage-like outer structure of the midbody that will connect the upper stage\u2019s large liquid hydrogen tank to the smaller liquid oxygen tank. Manufacturing flight and test hardware for the future upper stage is a collaborative effort between NASA and Boeing, the lead contractor for EUS and the SLS core stage. 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