Space Launch System facts for kids

An artist's picture of the Space Launch System flying into space.

The Space Launch System (SLS) is a super powerful NASA rocket. It's designed to carry very heavy things, like big spacecraft, far into space. The SLS is the strongest rocket ever built! It took the place of the old Space Shuttle. Many parts of the SLS are updated versions of parts from the Space Shuttle, while other parts are brand new.

The first time the SLS was planned to fly was in June 2020. However, the first flight with astronauts (carrying people) was planned for January 2023.

Different Types of SLS Rockets

Left to right: Block 1, Block 1B, and Block 2 versions of the SLS.

The Space Launch System comes in different versions. Each version is made to launch different kinds of missions into space.

Block 1: The First Version

The Block 1 is the first and least powerful type of the SLS. Its main part, called the core stage, uses parts from the old Space Shuttle External Tank. It also uses four special engines called Space Shuttle Main Engines. On the sides of the rocket are two large boosters. These are 5-segment Space Shuttle Solid Rocket Boosters. The very top part of the rocket is called the Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (ICPS).

Block 1B: An Upgraded Version

The Block 1B is similar to the Block 1, but it has an important change. The top part of the rocket will be different. It will use something called the Exploration Upper Stage (EUS). There will be two kinds of Block 1B rockets: one for carrying astronauts and another for carrying cargo.

Block 2: The Most Powerful SLS

The Block 2 version is like the Block 1B, but it's even stronger. The 5-segment solid rocket boosters will be replaced with more advanced and powerful boosters. This will make Block 2 the most powerful SLS rocket.

Related Space Missions

• Artemis program
• NASA
• Orion (spacecraft)

Images for kids

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  The SLS core stage leaving the Michoud Assembly Facility to be sent to Stennis Space Center.

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  How the SLS was planned to change over time, in 2018.

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  A liquid hydrogen tank for the Artemis 2 mission being built in August 2020.

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  The "boat-tail" part for Artemis 2 being built in June 2021.

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  The engine section for Artemis 3 being built in April 2021.

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  A picture from a 2020 report showing how parts of the SLS budget were managed.

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  The Space Launch System and Falcon 9 at Launch Complex 39. One was getting ready for the Axiom Mission 1 and the other for the Artemis 1 mission.

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  A detailed view of the Block 1 rocket.

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  A detailed view of the Block 1B rocket.

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  A detailed view of the Block 2 rocket.

See also

In Spanish: Sistema de lanzamiento espacial para niños