NASA's Space Launch System: An Evolving Capability for Exploration
NASA's Space Launch System: An Evolving Capability for Exploration
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Designed to meet the stringent requirements of human exploration missions into deep space and to Mars, NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) vehicle represents a unique new launch capability opening new opportunities for mission design. NASA is working to identify new ways to use SLS to enable new missions or mission profiles. In its initial Block 1 configuration, capable of launching 70 metric tons (t) to low Earth orbit (LEO), SLS is capable of not only propelling the Orion crew vehicle into cislunar space, but also delivering small satellites to deep space destinations. The evolved configurations of SLS, including both the 105 t Block 1B and the 130 t Block 2, offer opportunities for launching co-manifested payloads and a new class of secondary payloads with the Orion crew vehicle, and also offer the capability to carry 8.4- or 10-m payload fairings, larger than any contemporary launch vehicle, delivering unmatched mass-lift capability, payload volume, and C3.
Document information
NASA's Space Launch System: An Evolving Capability for Exploration
2016
8 pages
Report
No indication
English
Space Launch Vehicles & Support Equipment , Unmanned Spacecraft , Manned Spacecraft , Launch vehicles , Spacecraft launching , Crew exploration vehicle , Spacecraft design , Payloads , Propulsion system configurations , Propulsion system performance , Mission planning , Cislunar space , Deep space , Space exploration , Manned space flight