{"id":204943,"date":"2023-03-07T16:18:33","date_gmt":"2023-03-07T21:18:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/?post_type=reference&p=204943"},"modified":"2023-07-11T12:32:02","modified_gmt":"2023-07-11T16:32:02","slug":"space-launch-system","status":"publish","type":"reference","link":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/reference\/space-launch-system\/","title":{"rendered":"Space Launch System"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-encyclopedia-intro-banner bg-carbon-05 width-full maxw-full hds-module hds-module-full wp-block-nasa-blocks-encyclopedia-intro-banner\">\t<div class=\"padding-y-0 padding-x-3 desktop:padding-y-0 desktop:padding-x-5\">\n\t\t<div class=\"grid-row flex-align-center\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"desktop:grid-col-2\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"desktop:grid-col-5 padding-y-4\">\n\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"display-48 font-weight-extrabold margin-bottom-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\tSpace Launch System\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"p-lg margin-0 margin-bottom-2\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tNASA\u2019s SLS (Space Launch System) is a super heavy-lift rocket that provides the foundation for human exploration beyond Earth orbit. With its unprecedented capabilities, SLS is the only rocket that can send the Orion spacecraft, four\u00a0astronauts, and large cargo directly to the Moon on a single mission.\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"display-flex flex-align-center\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"display-flex flex-align-center label-inter color-carbon-60 margin-right-2 desktop:margin-right-3\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg class=\"square-2 margin-right-1\" viewBox=\"0 0 600 600\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M293 .1C131.3 3.5-.5 136.4.1 300.1c-.7 162.7 132 301.1 302.2 299.9 165.8-1.1 299.2-136.6 297.6-303.2C598.3 132.5 462.9-3.5 293 .1zm8.9 570.6C151.5 571.8 30.6 451.1 29.2 302.4c-1.4-149.6 119.7-273.2 270.9-273 144.2-.2 266.7 114.2 270.4 263.7 3.8 153.2-117.9 276.5-268.6 277.6z\"\/><path d=\"M444.1 450.4c-67.3.1-134.5.1-201.8.1-15.9 0-31.8.1-47.7-.1-7-.1-12.6-4.5-14.4-11-1.9-6.6.4-13.4 6.9-16.6 3.8-1.9 8.5-2.7 12.7-2.8 81.6-.2 163.2-.1 244.7 0 3.9 0 5.6-.6 5.5-5.1-.1-96.5-.1-193.1 0-289.6 0-4.4-1.5-5.3-5.5-5.3-15.7.2-31.5.1-47.2.1-6.8 0-6.8 0-6.8 6.6v167.5c0 1.8-.2 3.5-.3 5.3-.5.2-1.1.5-1.6.7-14.6-14.7-29.2-29.4-45.1-45.4l-44.1 44.1V120.7c-1.7-.2-3-.5-4.2-.5-28.5 0-56.9-.4-85.4.1-34.3.6-59.6 26-59.7 60.1-.3 85.1-.1 170.2-.1 255.3 0 8.3 2.2 16 6.7 23 9.2 14.5 22.7 21.3 39.7 21.4 35.3.1 70.6 0 105.9 0 47.5 0 95.1 0 142.6.1 3.6 0 5.1-.8 4.9-4.8-.3-6.3-.4-12.7 0-19.1.5-4.8-1.2-5.9-5.7-5.9z\"\/><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Encyclopedia<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"label-inter color-carbon-60\">Updated Mar 7, 2023<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"desktop:grid-col-5 desktop:padding-left-5 padding-top-3\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\"><figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-fit \"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"1920\" src=\"https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/KSC-20221116-PH-CLC04_0043\/KSC-20221116-PH-CLC04_0043~large.jpg?w=1280&h=1920&fit=clip&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-medium_large size-medium_large\" alt=\"\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/KSC-20221116-PH-CLC04_0043\/KSC-20221116-PH-CLC04_0043~large.jpg?w=1280&h=1920&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1280w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/KSC-20221116-PH-CLC04_0043\/KSC-20221116-PH-CLC04_0043~large.jpg?w=200&h=300&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 200w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/KSC-20221116-PH-CLC04_0043\/KSC-20221116-PH-CLC04_0043~large.jpg?w=768&h=1152&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 768w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/KSC-20221116-PH-CLC04_0043\/KSC-20221116-PH-CLC04_0043~large.jpg?w=683&h=1025&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 683w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/KSC-20221116-PH-CLC04_0043\/KSC-20221116-PH-CLC04_0043~large.jpg?w=1024&h=1536&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1024w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/KSC-20221116-PH-CLC04_0043\/KSC-20221116-PH-CLC04_0043~large.jpg?w=267&h=401&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 267w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/KSC-20221116-PH-CLC04_0043\/KSC-20221116-PH-CLC04_0043~large.jpg?w=400&h=600&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/KSC-20221116-PH-CLC04_0043\/KSC-20221116-PH-CLC04_0043~large.jpg?w=600&h=900&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/KSC-20221116-PH-CLC04_0043\/KSC-20221116-PH-CLC04_0043~large.jpg?w=800&h=1200&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" loading=\"eager\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\"><div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">Liftoff! NASA\u2019s Space Launch System carrying the Orion spacecraft lifts off the pad at Launch Complex 39B at the agency\u2019s Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 1:47 a.m. EST on Nov. 16, 2022 in this camera angle from above. The first in a series of increasingly complex missions, Artemis I will provide a foundation for human deep space exploration and demonstrate our commitment and capability to extend human presence to the Moon and beyond. The primary goal of Artemis I is to thoroughly test the integrated systems before crewed missions by operating the spacecraft in a deep space environment, testing Orion\u2019s heat shield, and recovering the crew module after reentry, descent, and splashdown<\/div><\/figcaption><\/div>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/0080-sls-fact-sheet-jun2023-508-1.pdf?emrc=873469\">Download SLS Factsheet (PDF)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-nasa-blocks-encyclopedic-content-columns alignfull hds-columns hds-encyclopedic-content-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-nasa-blocks-encyclopedic-primary-column hds-column hds-encyclopedic-column hds-encyclopedic-primary-column\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">America\u2019s Rocket for Deep Space Exploration<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>NASA\u2019s SLS (Space Launch System) is a super heavy-lift rocket that provides the foundation for human exploration beyond Earth orbit. With its unprecedented capabilities, SLS is the only rocket that can send the Orion spacecraft, four astronauts, and large cargo directly to the Moon on a single mission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Offering more payload mass, volume, and departure energy than any other single rocket, SLS can support a range of mission objectives, while reducing mission complexity. The SLS rocket is designed to be evolvable, which makes it possible to increase its capability to fly more types of missions, including human missions to the Moon and Mars and robotic scientific missions to other deep space destinations like the Moon, Mars, Saturn, and Jupiter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On Nov. 16, 2022, SLS launched from NASA Kennedy Space Center\u2019s Launch Complex 39B in Florida, making history as the most powerful rocket NASA has ever launched. The successful Artemis I mission ushered in a new era of exploration, as NASA prepares to send astronauts to the Moon as a prelude to human exploration of Mars. Post-flight data reviews determined that SLS met or exceeded performance expectations, and the rocket is ready to support a crewed flight on Artemis II and future crewed missions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-nasa-blocks-encyclopedic-sidebar-column hds-column hds-encyclopedic-column hds-encyclopedic-sidebar-column\">\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-nasa-blocks-encyclopedic-content-columns alignfull hds-columns hds-encyclopedic-content-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-nasa-blocks-encyclopedic-primary-column hds-column hds-encyclopedic-column hds-encyclopedic-primary-column\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Power to Explore Beyond Earth\u2019s Orbit<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To fulfill America\u2019s future needs for deep space missions, SLS will evolve into increasingly more powerful configurations. Hardware is currently in production for the next four SLS flights, and development is underway on the more powerful Block 1B and Block 2 variants that will succeed the current Block 1 variant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>SLS is designed for deep space missions and will send Orion or other cargo to the Moon, which is nearly 1,000 times farther than where NASA\u2019s International Space Station resides in Low Earth orbit. The high-performance rocket provides the power to help Orion reach a speed of 24,500 mph\u2014the speed needed to send it to the Moon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Every SLS configuration uses the core stage with four RS-25 engines. The first SLS vehicle, called Block 1, can send more than 27 metric tons (t) or 59,500 pounds (lbs.) to the Moon. It is powered by twin five-segment solid rocket boosters in addition to the four RS-25 liquid propellant engines. After reaching space, the interim cryogenic propulsion stage (ICPS) sends Orion on to the Moon. Like Artemis I, the SLS rockets that will power Artemis II and III will use the Block 1 configuration with the ICPS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Block 1B crew vehicle will use a new, more powerful exploration upper stage (EUS) to enable more ambitious missions beginning with Artemis IV. The Block 1B rocket can, in a single launch, carry the Orion spacecraft along with large cargos needed to support a long-term presence on the Moon.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-nasa-blocks-encyclopedic-sidebar-column hds-column hds-encyclopedic-column hds-encyclopedic-sidebar-column\">\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\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\/2023\/03\/block-1-crew-expanded-rev30-update.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1927\" height=\"1186\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/block-1-crew-expanded-rev30-update.jpg?w=1927\" class=\"attachment-2048x2048 size-2048x2048\" alt=\"Initial SLS Configuration.\" 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\/block-1-crew-expanded-rev30-update.jpg 1927w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/block-1-crew-expanded-rev30-update.jpg?resize=300,185 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/block-1-crew-expanded-rev30-update.jpg?resize=768,473 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/block-1-crew-expanded-rev30-update.jpg?resize=1024,630 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/block-1-crew-expanded-rev30-update.jpg?resize=1536,945 1536w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/block-1-crew-expanded-rev30-update.jpg?resize=400,246 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/block-1-crew-expanded-rev30-update.jpg?resize=600,369 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/block-1-crew-expanded-rev30-update.jpg?resize=900,554 900w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/block-1-crew-expanded-rev30-update.jpg?resize=1200,739 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1927px) 100vw, 1927px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\"><div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">Initial SLS Configuration.<\/div><\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-nasa-blocks-encyclopedic-content-columns alignfull hds-columns hds-encyclopedic-content-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-nasa-blocks-encyclopedic-primary-column hds-column hds-encyclopedic-column hds-encyclopedic-primary-column\">\n<p>The Block 1B rocket can send 38 t (83,700 lbs.) to deep space, including Orion and its crew. Launching with cargo only, SLS has a large volume payload fairing to send larger exploration systems to the Moon and Mars or robotic science probes on solar system exploration missions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The final SLS configuration, Block 2, will provide 9.5 million lbs. of launch thrust, compared to the Block 1\u2019s 8.8 million lbs. and will be the workhorse vehicle for sending cargo to the Moon, Mars, and other deep space destinations. SLS Block 2 will be designed to lift up to 46 t (101,400 lbs.) to deep space. An evolvable design provides the nation with a rocket able to pioneer new human and robotic spaceflight missions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Space Launch System Missions<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Artemis I, the first integrated flight of SLS and Orion, used the Block 1 configuration, which stands 322 feet \u2014 taller than the Statue of Liberty \u2014 and weighs 5.75 million lbs. fueled. During launch and ascent, SLS produces 8.8 million lbs. of maximum thrust, 15% more thrust than the Saturn V rocket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For Artemis I, Block 1 launched an uncrewed Orion spacecraft to an orbit 40,000 miles beyond the Moon, or nearly 280,000 miles from Earth. This successful mission demonstrated the integrated system performance of SLS, Orion, and Exploration Ground Systems prior to a crewed flight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Artemis II mission will be the first crewed mission under Artemis and send four astronauts around the Moon and back. Together, Artemis I and II pave the way for landing astronauts on the Moon on Artemis III.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-nasa-blocks-encyclopedic-sidebar-column hds-column hds-encyclopedic-column hds-encyclopedic-sidebar-column\">\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-nasa-blocks-encyclopedic-content-columns alignfull hds-columns hds-encyclopedic-content-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-nasa-blocks-encyclopedic-primary-column hds-column hds-encyclopedic-column hds-encyclopedic-primary-column\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Building the Rocket<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>NASA is building the rockets needed for several future missions. To reduce cost and development time, NASA is using existing proven hardware and designs from the space shuttle and other exploration programs while making use of cutting-edge manufacturing technology and inspection techniques such as 3D printing and structured light scanning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some parts of the rocket are new, and other parts have been upgraded with modern features that meet the needs of deep space missions, which require higher performance levels.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-nasa-blocks-encyclopedic-sidebar-column hds-column hds-encyclopedic-column hds-encyclopedic-sidebar-column\">\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-nasa-blocks-encyclopedic-content-columns alignfull hds-columns hds-encyclopedic-content-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-nasa-blocks-encyclopedic-primary-column hds-column hds-encyclopedic-column hds-encyclopedic-primary-column\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Core Stage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Boeing Company in Huntsville, Alabama, is the lead contractor for SLS core stage manufacturing, including the flight computers that control the rocket during flight. Towering more than 212 feet with a diameter of 27.6 feet, the core stage stores 733,000 gallons of super-cooled liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen that power the RS-25 engines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Core stages are built at NASA\u2019s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans using state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment, including a friction stir welding tool that is the largest of its kind in the world. The core stage is the newest part of the rocket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Boeing is building stages for several upcoming Artemis missions. The SLS avionics computer software is developed at NASA\u2019s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama.<\/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\/2021\/12\/sls_lift_capabilities_configurations_12022021_woleo.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1041\" height=\"507\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/sls_lift_capabilities_configurations_12022021_woleo.jpg?w=1041\" class=\"attachment-2048x2048 size-2048x2048\" alt=\"SLS Evolution\" 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\/2021\/12\/sls_lift_capabilities_configurations_12022021_woleo.jpg 1041w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/sls_lift_capabilities_configurations_12022021_woleo.jpg?resize=300,146 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/sls_lift_capabilities_configurations_12022021_woleo.jpg?resize=768,374 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/sls_lift_capabilities_configurations_12022021_woleo.jpg?resize=1024,499 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/sls_lift_capabilities_configurations_12022021_woleo.jpg?resize=400,195 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/sls_lift_capabilities_configurations_12022021_woleo.jpg?resize=600,292 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/sls_lift_capabilities_configurations_12022021_woleo.jpg?resize=900,438 900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1041px) 100vw, 1041px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\"><div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">SLS Evolution<\/div><\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-nasa-blocks-encyclopedic-sidebar-column hds-column hds-encyclopedic-column hds-encyclopedic-sidebar-column\">\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>RS-25 Engines<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Propulsion for the SLS core stage will be provided by four RS-25 engines powered by liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen. Aerojet Rocketdyne of Sacramento, California, is upgrading an inventory of RS-25 engines to SLS performance requirements, including a new engine controller, nozzle insulation, and required operation at a maximum of 512,000 lbs. of thrust. The four engines provide about 2 million lbs. of thrust for the eight-minute climb to Earth orbit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The SLS Program and Aerojet Rocketdyne began test firing heritage space shuttle engines in 2016 using SLS thrust profile and operating environments. The tests included new engine controllers and software, added nozzle insulation for the higher launchpad heating environment, and several new production engine components. By the time Artemis I launched, the test program had amassed 52 tests for 23,171 total seconds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Aerojet Rocketdyne has also restarted engine production with the goal of a 30% cost reduction compared to the shuttle RS-25. It is currently building 24 engines. In early 2023, the engine team began test firing the first new engine to certify the design for flight at NASA\u2019s Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-nasa-blocks-encyclopedic-content-columns alignfull hds-columns hds-encyclopedic-content-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-nasa-blocks-encyclopedic-primary-column hds-column hds-encyclopedic-column hds-encyclopedic-primary-column\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Boosters<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Two shuttle-derived solid rocket boosters provide more than 75% of the rocket\u2019s thrust during the first two minutes of flight. The prime contractor for the boosters, Northrop Grumman\u2019s Northern Utah team, has modified the original configuration of four propellant segments to a more powerful five-segment version. The modified booster is 177 feet tall, 12 feet in diameter, weighs 1.6 million pounds, and produces a maximum of 3.6 million pounds of thrust during launch. The design also includes new avionics, propellant grain design, and case insulation, and eliminates the recovery parachutes to allow greater payload to orbit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The company has completed motor segments for the Artemis II and Artemis III missions and is working on boosters for future missions. Trains transport booster segments from the Utah plant to Kennedy, where they are stacked with forward and aft assemblies to create the largest, most powerful boosters ever built for spaceflight. The boosters\u2019 avionics systems are tested at Kennedy and Marshall.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-nasa-blocks-encyclopedic-sidebar-column hds-column hds-encyclopedic-column hds-encyclopedic-sidebar-column\">\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-nasa-blocks-encyclopedic-content-columns alignfull hds-columns hds-encyclopedic-content-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-nasa-blocks-encyclopedic-primary-column hds-column hds-encyclopedic-column hds-encyclopedic-primary-column\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Integrated Spacecraft\/Payload Element<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The initial capability to propel Orion out of Earth\u2019s orbit during Artemis I came from the ICPS, based on the Delta Cryogenic Second Stage used successfully on United Launch Alliance\u2019s Delta IV family of rockets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The ICPS uses one RL10 engine made by Aerojet Rocketdyne. The engine is powered by liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen and generates 24,750 lbs. of thrust. United Launch Alliance is under contract to produce upper stages for the first three Artemis missions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Teledyne Brown Engineering of Huntsville, Alabama, builds the launch vehicle stage adapter that partially encloses the ICPS and connects it to the core stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Orion stage adapter (OSA) connects Orion to the ICPS on the SLS Block 1 vehicle. The OSA can accommodate several CubeSat payloads in 6U or 12U sizes, depending on mission parameters. For Artemis I, the OSA carried several 6U-sized CubeSats to deep space for various science and technology demonstration missions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-nasa-blocks-encyclopedic-sidebar-column hds-column hds-encyclopedic-column hds-encyclopedic-sidebar-column\">\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-nasa-blocks-encyclopedic-content-columns alignfull hds-columns hds-encyclopedic-content-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-nasa-blocks-encyclopedic-primary-column hds-column hds-encyclopedic-column hds-encyclopedic-primary-column\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Exploration Upper Stage<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Beginning with Artemis IV, the ICPS will be replaced by the EUS under contract to Boeing. It is powered by four RL10C-3 engines that produce almost four times more thrust than the one RL10B-2 engine that powers the ICPS. This 97,000 lbs. of thrust will allow more than 38 t (83,700 lbs.) for Block 1B crew and more than 42 t (92,500 lbs.) for Block 1B cargo to be sent to the Moon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With the EUS plus a new universal stage adapter (USA), NASA can use a Block 1B crew configuration to send Orion, astronauts, and large, unique payloads to the Moon or replace the Orion and USA with a payload fairing to send nearly 22,000 cubic feet of payload to the Moon, Mars, or more distant destinations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>NASA completed the critical design review for the EUS in 2019. Boeing is building the EUS at Michoud. Aerojet Rocketdyne has completed manufacturing and testing of several engines.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-nasa-blocks-encyclopedic-sidebar-column hds-column hds-encyclopedic-column hds-encyclopedic-sidebar-column\">\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-nasa-blocks-encyclopedic-content-columns alignfull hds-columns hds-encyclopedic-content-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-nasa-blocks-encyclopedic-primary-column hds-column hds-encyclopedic-column hds-encyclopedic-primary-column\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The SLS Team<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>SLS is America\u2019s rocket, with more than 1,100 companies from across the U.S. and every NASA center supporting its development. The SLS Program, managed at Marshall, works closely with the Orion Program, managed at NASA\u2019s Johnson Space Center in Houston, and the Exploration Ground Systems Program, managed at Kennedy.<\/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\/2021\/10\/ksc-20211020-ph-fmx01_0241_large_0.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"1919\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/ksc-20211020-ph-fmx01_0241_large_0.jpg?w=1280\" class=\"attachment-2048x2048 size-2048x2048\" alt=\"NASA completed stacking Oct. 21 of the agency's SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft for the Artemis I uncrewed mission around the Moon.\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 58% 7%; object-position: 58% 7%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/ksc-20211020-ph-fmx01_0241_large_0.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/ksc-20211020-ph-fmx01_0241_large_0.jpg?resize=200,300 200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/ksc-20211020-ph-fmx01_0241_large_0.jpg?resize=768,1151 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/ksc-20211020-ph-fmx01_0241_large_0.jpg?resize=683,1024 683w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/ksc-20211020-ph-fmx01_0241_large_0.jpg?resize=1025,1536 1025w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/ksc-20211020-ph-fmx01_0241_large_0.jpg?resize=267,400 267w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/ksc-20211020-ph-fmx01_0241_large_0.jpg?resize=400,600 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/ksc-20211020-ph-fmx01_0241_large_0.jpg?resize=600,900 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/ksc-20211020-ph-fmx01_0241_large_0.jpg?resize=800,1200 800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\"><div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">NASA completed stacking Oct. 21 of the agency’s SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft for the Artemis I uncrewed mission around the Moon.<\/div><div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA<\/div><\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div>\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:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/KSC-20200730-PH-TEY01_0011\/KSC-20200730-PH-TEY01_0011~large.jpg?w=1280&h=1920&fit=clip&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"1920\" src=\"https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/KSC-20200730-PH-TEY01_0011\/KSC-20200730-PH-TEY01_0011~large.jpg?w=1280&h=1920&fit=clip&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-2048x2048 size-2048x2048\" alt=\"\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/KSC-20200730-PH-TEY01_0011\/KSC-20200730-PH-TEY01_0011~large.jpg?w=1280&h=1920&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1280w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/KSC-20200730-PH-TEY01_0011\/KSC-20200730-PH-TEY01_0011~large.jpg?w=200&h=300&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 200w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/KSC-20200730-PH-TEY01_0011\/KSC-20200730-PH-TEY01_0011~large.jpg?w=768&h=1152&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 768w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/KSC-20200730-PH-TEY01_0011\/KSC-20200730-PH-TEY01_0011~large.jpg?w=683&h=1025&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 683w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/KSC-20200730-PH-TEY01_0011\/KSC-20200730-PH-TEY01_0011~large.jpg?w=1024&h=1536&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1024w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/KSC-20200730-PH-TEY01_0011\/KSC-20200730-PH-TEY01_0011~large.jpg?w=267&h=401&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 267w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/KSC-20200730-PH-TEY01_0011\/KSC-20200730-PH-TEY01_0011~large.jpg?w=400&h=600&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/KSC-20200730-PH-TEY01_0011\/KSC-20200730-PH-TEY01_0011~large.jpg?w=600&h=900&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/KSC-20200730-PH-TEY01_0011\/KSC-20200730-PH-TEY01_0011~large.jpg?w=800&h=1200&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\"><div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">Artemis I launch vehicle stage adapter<\/div><div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA<\/div><\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div>\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\/2021\/12\/rev27_b1b_crew_eus_cutaway_0.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1038\" height=\"1190\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/rev27_b1b_crew_eus_cutaway_0.jpg?w=1038\" class=\"attachment-2048x2048 size-2048x2048\" alt=\"SLS Block 1B crew with EUS cutaway\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 7%; object-position: 50% 7%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/rev27_b1b_crew_eus_cutaway_0.jpg 1038w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/rev27_b1b_crew_eus_cutaway_0.jpg?resize=262,300 262w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/rev27_b1b_crew_eus_cutaway_0.jpg?resize=768,880 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/rev27_b1b_crew_eus_cutaway_0.jpg?resize=893,1024 893w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/rev27_b1b_crew_eus_cutaway_0.jpg?resize=349,400 349w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/rev27_b1b_crew_eus_cutaway_0.jpg?resize=523,600 523w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/rev27_b1b_crew_eus_cutaway_0.jpg?resize=785,900 785w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1038px) 100vw, 1038px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\"><div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">SLS Block 1B crew with EUS cutaway (illustration)<\/div><div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA<\/div><\/figcaption><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-nasa-blocks-encyclopedic-sidebar-column hds-column hds-encyclopedic-column hds-encyclopedic-sidebar-column\">\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-featured-link-list bg-spacesuit-white padding-x-2 tablet:padding-x-3 desktop:padding-x-4 padding-y-5 desktop:padding-y-6 hds-module hds-module-full wp-block-nasa-blocks-featured-link-list\">\t<div class=\"grid-container grid-container-block padding-0\">\n\t\t<div class=\"margin-bottom-4\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"heading-22\">\n\t\t\t\tFor more information about SLS, visit:\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"grid-row padding-y-2 border-top-1px border-color-carbon-30-important\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"grid-row featured-link-list-row width-full flex-align-center\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"grid-col-2 desktop:grid-col-1 tablet:padding-right-3 desktop:padding-right-5\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"width-full\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper width-full ratio-1x1 radius-pill overflow-hidden\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"hds-media-background  \"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/artemis-1-patch.png?w=150&h=150&crop=1\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Artemis 1 patch\" style=\"transform: scale(1.2); 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\/artemis-1-patch.png 500w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/artemis-1-patch.png?resize=150,150 150w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/artemis-1-patch.png?resize=300,300 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/artemis-1-patch.png?resize=50,50 50w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/artemis-1-patch.png?resize=100,100 100w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/artemis-1-patch.png?resize=200,200 200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/artemis-1-patch.png?resize=400,400 400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/figure>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"grid-col-8 desktop:grid-col-10 padding-left-3 desktop:padding-left-0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"grid-row flex-align-center\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"grid-col-12 desktop:grid-col-6\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"heading-36 margin-0\">Artemis<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"grid-col-12 desktop:grid-col-6\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"p-md margin-0 color-carbon-black\">Learn More About Artemis<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"grid-col-2 desktop:grid-col-1 display-flex flex-justify-end\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\" target=\"\" aria-label=\"\">\n                            <svg class=\"hds-featured-link-list-button margin-left-auto margin-right-0\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"none\">\n                                <circle class=\"color-nasa-red\" cx=\"16\" cy=\"16\" r=\"16\"><\/circle><path d=\"M8 16.956h12.604l-3.844 4.106 1.252 1.338L24 16l-5.988-6.4-1.252 1.338 3.844 4.106H8v1.912z\" class=\"color-spacesuit-white\"><\/path>\n                            <\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"grid-row padding-y-2 border-top-1px border-color-carbon-30-important\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"grid-row featured-link-list-row width-full flex-align-center\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"grid-col-2 desktop:grid-col-1 tablet:padding-right-3 desktop:padding-right-5\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"width-full\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper width-full ratio-1x1 radius-pill overflow-hidden\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"hds-media-background  \"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1242\" height=\"1920\" src=\"https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/KSC-20211020-PH-FMX01_0180\/KSC-20211020-PH-FMX01_0180~large.jpg?w=1242&h=1920&fit=clip&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"The Orion spacecraft for NASA\u2019s Artemis I mission, fully assembled with its launch abort system, is lifted above the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket in High Bay 3 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Oct. 20, 2021. The stacking of Orion on top of the SLS completes assembly for the Artemis I flight test. Teams will begin conducting a series of verification tests ahead of rolling out to Launch Complex 39B for the Wet Dress Rehearsal. Artemis I will be an uncrewed test flight of the Orion spacecraft and Space Launch System rocket as an integrated system ahead of crewed flights to the Moon. Under Artemis, NASA aims to land the first woman and first person of color on the Moon and establish sustainable lunar exploration.\" style=\"transform: scale(1.2); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/KSC-20211020-PH-FMX01_0180\/KSC-20211020-PH-FMX01_0180~large.jpg?w=1242&h=1920&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1242w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/KSC-20211020-PH-FMX01_0180\/KSC-20211020-PH-FMX01_0180~large.jpg?w=194&h=300&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 194w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/KSC-20211020-PH-FMX01_0180\/KSC-20211020-PH-FMX01_0180~large.jpg?w=768&h=1187&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 768w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/KSC-20211020-PH-FMX01_0180\/KSC-20211020-PH-FMX01_0180~large.jpg?w=662&h=1023&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 662w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/KSC-20211020-PH-FMX01_0180\/KSC-20211020-PH-FMX01_0180~large.jpg?w=994&h=1537&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 994w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/KSC-20211020-PH-FMX01_0180\/KSC-20211020-PH-FMX01_0180~large.jpg?w=259&h=400&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 259w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/KSC-20211020-PH-FMX01_0180\/KSC-20211020-PH-FMX01_0180~large.jpg?w=388&h=600&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 388w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/KSC-20211020-PH-FMX01_0180\/KSC-20211020-PH-FMX01_0180~large.jpg?w=582&h=900&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 582w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/KSC-20211020-PH-FMX01_0180\/KSC-20211020-PH-FMX01_0180~large.jpg?w=776&h=1200&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 776w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1242px) 100vw, 1242px\" \/><\/figure>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"grid-col-8 desktop:grid-col-10 padding-left-3 desktop:padding-left-0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"grid-row flex-align-center\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"grid-col-12 desktop:grid-col-6\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"heading-36 margin-0\">SLS<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"grid-col-12 desktop:grid-col-6\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"p-md margin-0 color-carbon-black\">Learn More About SLS<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"grid-col-2 desktop:grid-col-1 display-flex flex-justify-end\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\" target=\"\" aria-label=\"\">\n                            <svg class=\"hds-featured-link-list-button margin-left-auto margin-right-0\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"none\">\n                                <circle class=\"color-nasa-red\" cx=\"16\" cy=\"16\" r=\"16\"><\/circle><path d=\"M8 16.956h12.604l-3.844 4.106 1.252 1.338L24 16l-5.988-6.4-1.252 1.338 3.844 4.106H8v1.912z\" class=\"color-spacesuit-white\"><\/path>\n                            <\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"grid-row padding-y-2 border-top-1px border-color-carbon-30-important\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"grid-row featured-link-list-row width-full flex-align-center\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"grid-col-2 desktop:grid-col-1 tablet:padding-right-3 desktop:padding-right-5\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"width-full\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper width-full ratio-1x1 radius-pill overflow-hidden\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"hds-media-background  \"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/twitter-logo.png?w=150&h=150&crop=1\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" style=\"transform: scale(1.2); transform-origin: 51% 49%; object-position: 51% 49%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/twitter-logo.png 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/twitter-logo.png?resize=150,150 150w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/twitter-logo.png?resize=300,300 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/twitter-logo.png?resize=50,50 50w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/twitter-logo.png?resize=100,100 100w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/twitter-logo.png?resize=200,200 200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/figure>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"grid-col-8 desktop:grid-col-10 padding-left-3 desktop:padding-left-0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"grid-row flex-align-center\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"grid-col-12 desktop:grid-col-6\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"heading-36 margin-0\">SLS on Twitter<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"grid-col-12 desktop:grid-col-6\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"p-md margin-0 color-carbon-black\">SLS Twitter<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"grid-col-2 desktop:grid-col-1 display-flex flex-justify-end\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/NASA_SLS\" target=\"\" aria-label=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">\n                            <svg class=\"hds-featured-link-list-button margin-left-auto margin-right-0\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"none\">\n                                <circle class=\"color-nasa-red\" cx=\"16\" cy=\"16\" r=\"16\"><\/circle><path d=\"M8 16.956h12.604l-3.844 4.106 1.252 1.338L24 16l-5.988-6.4-1.252 1.338 3.844 4.106H8v1.912z\" class=\"color-spacesuit-white\"><\/path>\n                            <\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"grid-row padding-y-2 border-top-1px border-color-carbon-30-important\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"grid-row featured-link-list-row width-full flex-align-center\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"grid-col-2 desktop:grid-col-1 tablet:padding-right-3 desktop:padding-right-5\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"width-full\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper width-full ratio-1x1 radius-pill overflow-hidden\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"hds-media-background  \"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/facebook_logo_0.png?w=150&h=150&crop=1\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Follow GeneLab on Facebook\" style=\"transform: scale(1.2); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/facebook_logo_0.png 200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/facebook_logo_0.png?resize=150,150 150w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/facebook_logo_0.png?resize=50,50 50w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/facebook_logo_0.png?resize=100,100 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/figure>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"grid-col-8 desktop:grid-col-10 padding-left-3 desktop:padding-left-0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"grid-row flex-align-center\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"grid-col-12 desktop:grid-col-6\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"heading-36 margin-0\">SLS on Facebook<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"grid-col-12 desktop:grid-col-6\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"p-md margin-0 color-carbon-black\">SLS Facebook<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"grid-col-2 desktop:grid-col-1 display-flex flex-justify-end\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/NASASLS\" target=\"\" aria-label=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">\n                            <svg class=\"hds-featured-link-list-button margin-left-auto margin-right-0\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"none\">\n                                <circle class=\"color-nasa-red\" cx=\"16\" cy=\"16\" r=\"16\"><\/circle><path d=\"M8 16.956h12.604l-3.844 4.106 1.252 1.338L24 16l-5.988-6.4-1.252 1.338 3.844 4.106H8v1.912z\" class=\"color-spacesuit-white\"><\/path>\n                            <\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>NASA\u2019s SLS (Space Launch System) is a super heavy-lift rocket that provides the foundation for human exploration beyond Earth orbit. With its unprecedented capabilities, SLS is the only rocket that can send the Orion spacecraft, four\u00a0astronauts, and large cargo directly to the Moon on a single mission.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":35,"featured_media":392511,"template":"","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":[]},"categories":[3784],"news-tags":[],"internal-terms":[3942,10866],"coauthors":[8391],"parsely":{"version":"1.1.0","meta":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"WebPage","headline":"Space Launch System","url":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/reference\/space-launch-system\/","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/reference\/space-launch-system\/"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/KSC-20221116-PH-CLC04_0043\/KSC-20221116-PH-CLC04_0043~large.jpg?w=1280&h=1920&fit=clip&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/KSC-20221116-PH-CLC04_0043\/KSC-20221116-PH-CLC04_0043~large.jpg?w=1280&h=1920&fit=clip&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint"},"articleSection":"NASA Directorates","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)"],"dateCreated":"2023-03-07T21:18:33Z","datePublished":"2023-03-07T21:18:33Z","dateModified":"2023-07-11T16:32:02Z"},"rendered":"<meta name=\"parsely-title\" content=\"Space Launch System\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-link\" content=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/reference\/space-launch-system\/\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-type\" content=\"index\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-image-url\" content=\"https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/KSC-20221116-PH-CLC04_0043\/KSC-20221116-PH-CLC04_0043~large.jpg?w=1280&h=1920&fit=clip&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-pub-date\" content=\"2023-03-07T21:18:33Z\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-section\" content=\"NASA Directorates\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-tags\" content=\"NASA Directorates,Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate,Common Exploration Systems Development Division,Space Launch System (SLS)\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-author\" content=\"Lee Mohon\" \/>","tracker_url":"https:\/\/cdn.parsely.com\/keys\/nasa.gov\/p.js"},"read_time":9,"featured_image":{"id":392511,"file":"https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/KSC-20221116-PH-CLC04_0043\/KSC-20221116-PH-CLC04_0043~large.jpg","title":"Artemis I Liftoff","alt":"","caption":"Liftoff! NASA\u2019s Space Launch System carrying the Orion spacecraft lifts off the pad at Launch Complex 39B at the agency\u2019s Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 1:47 a.m. EST on Nov. 16, 2022 in this camera angle from above. The first in a series of increasingly complex missions, Artemis I will provide a foundation for human deep space exploration and demonstrate our commitment and capability to extend human presence to the Moon and beyond. The primary goal of Artemis I is to thoroughly test the integrated systems before crewed missions by operating the spacecraft in a deep space environment, testing Orion\u2019s heat shield, and recovering the crew module after reentry, descent, and splashdown"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/reference\/204943"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/reference"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/reference"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/35"}],"version-history":[{"count":45,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/reference\/204943\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":545403,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/reference\/204943\/revisions\/545403"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/392511"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=204943"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=204943"},{"taxonomy":"news-tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news-tags?post=204943"},{"taxonomy":"internal-terms","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/internal-terms?post=204943"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=204943"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}