Tag: SLS
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NASA Con Ops Assess Baseline Features for SLS/Orion Mission to Mars
More clues into NASA’s long term goal of sending humans to Mars have been provided in the latest revision of the Space Launch System (SLS) Concept of Operations (Con Ops) presentation. The document confirms the agency is siding with a version of the Mars Design Reference Architecture 5.0, utilizing multiple SLS launches, including nuclear stages,…
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Mobile Launcher major modifications to begin for SLS
The former Ares I Mobile Launcher (ML) will soon begin major modification work – pending the status of the government shutdown – ahead of its role with the Space Launch System (SLS). Work will begin with the demolition of the launch mount, which was designed with Ares I in mind, ahead of the installation of an…
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Wind Tunnel tests evaluating environmental conditions for SLS
The various configurations of the Space Launch System (SLS) are continuing their wind tunnel testing at various locations around the United States. One team is focusing on how the Heavy Lift Launch Vehicle (HLV) will react to environmental forces during liftoff, while another team evaluates potential design changes to the booster nose cones. SLS Wind…
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Stennis preparing to throttle up SLS engine testing
NASA’s Stennis Space Center is deep into preparations for numerous engine testing for the Space Launch System (SLS), ranging from the old, the new and the miniature. Continued J-2X testing will next take place on the A-2 Test Stand, while the A-1 Test Stand will conduct RS-25 testing next year. Meanwhile the 116 Test Stand…
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NASA managers evaluate yearlong deep space asteroid mission
On track for their respective debuts, NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) and Orion feature front and center in one of NASA’s latest evaluations for a mission to a deep space near-Earth asteroid (NEA). The conceptual mission, set after SLS’ opening salvo of flights, would send a crew of four on a yearlong voyage to study…
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ATK/NASA investigating void issue in SLS test motor segment
Experts from ATK and NASA are investigating the cause of voids in the aft segment of the next test motor for the Space Launch System (SLS). Known as Qualification Motor -1 (QM-1), the original aft segment was scrapped following the discovery of voids via examinations, only for its replacement to mirror the problem – possibly…
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Dual SLS launch campaign required for NASA’s Lunar return
A return to the surface of the Moon would require two Space Launch System (SLS) rockets launching over half a year apart, with a four person crew being transported to the Lunar surface on a multi-billion dollar Lander for a seven day sortie mission. The overview, provided in the latest Concept Of Operations (CONOPS) document,…
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SLS completes PDR – Monster Rocket looking for science missions
As expected, the Space Launch System (SLS) successfully passed the major milestone of the Preliminary Design Review (PDR) this week, allowing it to move further towards the implementation phase. Meanwhile, the SLS team are working with JPL in an attempt to promote SLS for science missions – using an unfunded Europa mission for analysis. SLS…
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SLS on track for successful PDR conclusion
The Space Launch System (SLS) is expected to pass its Preliminary Design Review (PDR) when the NASA Board meets on July 31. All “Element Level” PDRs have now been completed, ahead of the summit meeting, with zero “Red Risks” found with NASA’s new Heavy Lift Launch Vehicle (HLV). SLS Progress: In what is a major…
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Brains of the SLS – Flight Computer enters build phase
One of the key technologies on NASA’s new monster rocket, a small box of tricks known as the Flight Computer, is making good process during its developmental phase. With Boeing – main contractor for the Space Launch System (SLS) – deeply involved, a Production Readiness Review (PRR) has provided the green light to enter the…