Tag: EM-2
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NASA moves to enforce early switch to EUS for SLS
NASA managers have placed a “stop work order” in relation to the human-rating of the Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (lCPS) for the Space Launch System (SLS). The stage, which was set to ride with a crewed flight on Exploration Mission -2 (EM-2), will be replaced by the early addition of the more powerful Exploration Upper…
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NASA’s Orion deep-space capsule is now officially a shiny object: Here’s why
An artist’s conception shows NASA’s Orion capsule in flight, with a silvery, metallic-based coating bonded to the capsule’s back shell tiles. (Credit: NASA) NASA has released new artwork that reflects the latest look for its Orion deep-space crew vehicle – and it’s highly reflective. Orion’s shiny back shell isn’t just for show: In Thursday’s update, NASA…
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Orbital ATK picks up where it left off with Orion abort system
NASA’s Orion spacecraft, seen with a mostly inert launch abort system, is transferred to the launch pad before last December’s test flight. Credit: NASA/Frankie Martin Orbital ATK has cinched $188 million in contracts to complete development of the Orion crew capsule’s needle-shaped launch abort system, resuming work stalled in the wake up a major shakeup…
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Asteroid Redirect Mission to lay the technology foundations for deep space
In the face of political uncertainty and public apathy, NASA is beginning to push the case for the Asteroid Redirect Mission (ARM). The points of the Agency’s latest overview portray a mission that will foster the development of numerous key technological advances, most of which will be required for human missions to deep space and the…
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SLS manifest targets Europa and Mars Sample Return missions
NASA is moving up a gear with its manifest planning for the Space Launch System (SLS). A new internal manifest portrays a tag team approach, alternating SLS between crewed missions for Orion and major flagship science missions that includes sending a spacecraft to Europa and conducting a Mars Sample Return mission, all before the middle…
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EFT-1 to boost ATK Launch Abort System test path
ATK’s Launch Abort System (LAS) – a key element for crew safety during the ride uphill on the Space Launch System and Orion – continues to make good progress during its test schedule. With the Exploration Flight Test -1 (EFT-1) flight set to provide key data ahead of the Ascent Abort (AA-2) test in 2019,…
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NASA lines up Exploration Upper Stage workhorse for SLS
The powerful Exploration Upper Stage (EUS) has taken another step forward, following NASA’s request to industry to provide evaluations and costings into engine options. Four engines are expected to power the large Upper Stage of the Space Launch System (SLS) – a stage that is expected to become the workhorse of NASA’s deep space human…
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SLS searching for missions to solve flight rate dilemma
Space Launch System (SLS) managers are continuing to look at potential – and as yet unfunded – science missions to provide their monster rocket with a viable number of flights. The flight rate dilemma was recently highlighted when it was admitted NASA had looked into “how slow” a launch rate could be viable for the…
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RS-25 engine installed for Stennis testing amid SLS schedule debate
The Stennis Space Center is just weeks away from returning to RS-25 engine testing, following the installation of Engine 0525 on the A-1 Test Stand. The milestone comes as the launch date for the first Space Launch System (SLS) mission – Exploration Mission -1 (EM-1) – is almost certain to slip by at least six months,…
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NASA confirms EUS for SLS Block IB design and EM-2 flight
Following internal conversations regarding the upper stage design for the forthcoming second flight of the Space Launch System (SLS) – named Exploration Mission -2 (EM-2) – NASA has confirmed a move to change not just the upper stage of SLS for EM-2, but also to change the iteration of SLS that will fly the mission.…