Space Launch System Leaves Launchpad (NASA, Space Launch System, 10/23/13)

This artist rendering shows an aerial view of the liftoff of the 70-metric-ton (77-ton) lift capacity configuration SLS from the launchpad. The first flight test of NASA's new rocket is scheduled for 2017. (Note: artist concept updated Oct. 23, 2013)

 

The Space Launch System, or SLS, will be designed to carry the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle, as well as important cargo, equipment and science experiments to Earth's orbit and destinations beyond.

 

America’s new heavy-lift rocket will be the largest launch vehicle ever built and more powerful than the Saturn V rocket that carried Apollo astronauts to the moon. The 70-metric-ton configuration (77 tons) will lift more than 154,000 pounds and will provide 10 percent more thrust than the Saturn V rocket. The 130-metric-ton-configuration (143 tons) will lift more than 286,000 pounds and provide 20 percent more thrust than the Saturn V.

 

The first SLS mission — Exploration Mission 1 — in 2017 will launch an uncrewed Orion spacecraft to demonstrate the integrated system performance of the SLS rocket and spacecraft prior to a crewed flight.

 

Image credit: NASA/MSFC

 

Original image:

www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/sls/multimedia/gallery/s...

 

More about SLS:

www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/sls/index.html

 

More SLS Photos:

www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/sls/multimedia/gallery/S...

 

Space Launch System Flickr photoset:

www.flickr.com/photos/28634332@N05/sets/72157627559536895/

  

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