Our Space Launch
System (SLS) will be the world’s most powerful rocket, engineered to carry
astronauts and cargo farther and faster than any rocket ever built. Here are
five reasons it is the backbone of bold, deep space exploration missions.
5. We’re Building This Rocket to Take Humans to the Moon and Beyond
The SLS rocket is a national asset for leading new missions to deep
space. More than 1,000 large and small
companies in 44 states are building the rocket that will take humans to
the Moon. Work on SLS has an economic impact of $5.7 billion and
generates 32,000 jobs. Small businesses across the U.S. supply 40 percent of
the raw materials for the rocket. An investment in SLS is an investment in
human spaceflight and in American industry and will lead to applications beyond
NASA.
4. This Rocket is Built for Humans
Modern deep space systems are designed and built to keep humans safe
from launch to landing. SLS provides the
power to safely send the Orion
spacecraft and astronauts to the Moon. Orion, powered by the European
Service Module, keeps the crew safe during the mission. Exploration
Ground Systems at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, safely
launches the SLS with Orion on top and recovers the astronauts and Orion after splashdown.
3. This Rocket is Engineered for a Variety of Exploration Missions
SLS is engineered for decades of human space exploration to come. SLS is
not just one rocket but a transportation
system that evolves to meet the needs of a variety of missions. The
rocket can send more than 26 metric tons (57,000 pounds) to the Moon and can
evolve to send up to 45 metric tons (99,000 pounds) to the Moon. NASA has the
expertise to meet the challenges of designing and building a new, complex
rocket that evolves over time while developing our nation’s capability to
extend human existence into deep space.
2. This Rocket can Carry Crews and Cargos Farther, Faster
SLS’s versatile
design enables it to carry astronauts their supplies as well as cargo
for resupply and send science missions far in the solar system. With its power
and unprecedented ability to transport heavy and large volume science payloads in
a single mission, SLS can send cargos to Mars or probes even farther out in the
solar system, such as to Jupiter’s moon Europa, faster than any other rocket
flying today. The rocket’s large cargo volume makes it possible to design
planetary probes, telescopes and other scientific instruments with fewer complex
mechanical parts.
1. This Rocket Complements International and Commercial Partners
The Space Launch System is the right rocket to enable
exploration on and around the Moon and even longer missions away
from home. SLS makes it possible for astronauts to bring along supplies and
equipment needed to explore, such as pieces of the Gateway,
which will be the cornerstone of sustainable lunar exploration. SLS’s ability
to launch both people and payloads to deep space in a single mission makes
space travel safer and more efficient. With no buildings, hardware or grocery
stores on the Moon or Mars, there are plenty of opportunities for support by
other rockets. SLS and contributions by international and commercial partners
will make it possible to return to the Moon and create a springboard for exploration
of other areas in the solar system where we can discover and expand knowledge
for the benefit of humanity.
Learn more about the Space Launch System.
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