Tag: SLS
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EM-1: NASA managers request ambitious changes to debut SLS/Orion mission
Just months after changing Exploration Mission -2 (EM-2) into an asteroid rendezvous mission, NASA managers have issued a Change Request to alter the debut flight of the Space Launch System (SLS) with Orion. The change would result in Orion being sent 70,000 km past the Moon on a 25 day flight. Exploration Roadmap: As SLS…
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Pad 39B: In the trenches with SLS launch pad modifications
Major pad modification work is continuing to take place at Pad 39B, ahead of hosting the Space Launch System (SLS) for its debut launch in 2017. With the former Shuttle structures removed from the pad’s surface, efforts are now focusing on installing an new flame trench, replacing bricks and concrete that still bears the scorch…
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SLS: MAF receiving extraordinary machinery for the exploration rocket
An array of huge machinery is being installed at the Michoud Assembly Facility (MAF), as the famous New Orleans plant prepares to begin construction of the Space Launch System (SLS). The tooling – one of which is 170 feet tall – will piece together the Heavy Lift Launch Vehicles (HLV) ahead of their launches from…
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NASA Authorization Act pushes for Moon and Mars priority
The House Science space subcommittee’s 2013 Authorization Act intends to refocus NASA’s exploration path towards prioritizing the goal of landing humans on both the Moon and Mars, according to draft document. Ahead of a hearing on Wednesday, the political direction also pours cold water on the realigned Exploration Mission -2 (EM-2) to explore a captured…
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The engines that refused to retire – RS-25s prepare for SLS testing
Following a 30 year career with the Space Shuttle Program, Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne’s RS-25 engines are now preparing for their next role, with the Space Launch System (SLS). Tests involving the former Space Shuttle Main Engines (SSMEs) will begin at the Stennis Space Center in 2014. RS-25: The SSME has provided safe flight for…
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NASA looks to Kourou for SLS ground ops streamlining ideas
As development of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket continues, NASA is looking to its international partners for inspiration and lessons learned. Specifically, the agency sent a team to Kourou, French Guiana, to observe and report on the processes and ground operations employed by the European Space Agency for the Ariane V, with an eye…
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SLS prepares for PDR – Evolution eyes Dual-Use Upper Stage
NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) is deep into preparations for the key milestone of the Preliminary Design Review (PDR), which “kicks off” in June. Meanwhile, an interesting glimpse into the long-term plan for SLS points towards the favored use of a dual-use Upper Stage – powered by up to four RL-10 engines – known as…
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EFT-1: Delta IV-H set for shipping to Florida next March
The United Launch Alliance (ULA) Delta IV Heavy – that is set to launch the Exploration Flight Test -1 (EFT-1) Orion into space next year – has passed the 50 percent mark in its fabrication process in Alabama. The vehicle will be shipped to the Florida Space Coast next March, ahead of its September, 2014…
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A return to the Moon would send NASA back to square one – Bolden
NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden has strongly ruled out missions to land on the Moon as part of NASA’s exploration roadmap, claiming any future political re-direction to return humans to the lunar surface would send the Agency “back to square one”. Meanwhile, Northrop Grumman have completed their Lunar Lander Study on behalf of the Golden Spike…
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Full steam ahead for ATK’s SLS booster drive
ATK are making good progress on both the initial five segment boosters, set to launch with the opening launches of the Space Launch System (SLS), and the Advanced Boosters that may provide yet more power to the Heavy Lift Launch Vehicle (HLV) in the late 2020s. SLS Five Segment Booster: Following the success of…