The Space Launch System (SLS) is an American super heavy-lift expendable launch vehicle used by NASA. 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.

1 day ago · Keeping the SLS rocket program around for the first lunar landing would actually bog down progress, these critics say, because large contractors such as Boeing would be incentivized to slow down ...

Oct 7, 2024 · Combining power and capability, NASA’s Space Launch System rocket is part of NASA’s backbone for deep space exploration and Artemis. SLS is the only rocket that can send Orion, astronauts, and cargo directly to the Moon in a single launch.

Dec 12, 2024 · NASA’s 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.

23 hours ago · The SLS program has faced criticism for delays and high costs. Originally planned for launch in 2016, the rocket’s first flight did not occur until 2022. NASA has spent approximately $3 billion annually on the program, and each SLS launch costs more than $2 billion, excluding payload and ground system expenses.

5 days ago · NASA’s Space Launch System is the only rocket capable of carrying crew and large cargo to deep space in a single launch. Powered by the Boeing-built Core Stage, SLS successfully launched as part of the Artemis I Mission on November 16, 2022.

Jul 11, 2024 · NASA’s 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 NASA’s Orion spacecraft, four astronauts, and large cargo directly to the Moon on a single launch.

Feb 20, 2024 · Here's how the agency's giant rocket compares with SpaceX's giant Starship rocket, which Elon Musk wants to use to go to Mars and beyond.

1 day ago · Boeing is preparing for the cancellation of the Space Launch System rocket. Some are arguing for the cancellation after the Artemis 2 and Artemis 3 flight. However, there are months of fixes needed for the human rated Orion. The heat shield is not safe. Rushing to get off two more flights will likely cost over $20 billion.

At 1:47 a.m. EST on November 16, 2022, NASA’s new super-heavy lift rocket, SLS, launched for the first time on the Artemis I mission, sending an uncrewed Orion spacecraft on a trip around the Moon (Fig. 1, 2).