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The Space Launch System (SLS) is a NASA rocket. It is a heavy-lift launch vehicle. It is the most powerful rocket ever built. The SLS is a replacement for the Space Shuttle, which retired in July 2011. The first flight of the SLS will be in 2017.
Space Launch System's planned upgrade path
Rendering of the SLS Block 1 with its older black-and-white paint scheme, showing the large core stage, two 5-segment SRBs, and the smaller upper stage.
Artist's rendering of a Block 1 SLS
Comparison of the Saturn V, Space Shuttle, Ares I, Ares V, Ares IV, SLS Block 1 and SLS Block 2
An RL10 engine, like the one pictured above, will be used as the second stage engine in both the ICPS and EUS upper stages.
The Bimodal Nuclear Thermal Rocket engines on the Mars Transfer Vehicle (MTV). Cold launched, it would be assembled in-orbit by a number of Block 2 SLS payload lifts. The Orion crew capsule is docked on the right.
