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Space Launch System facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Sls block1 noeas afterburner engmarkings sm
An artist's picture of the Space Launch System flying

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 retired Space Shuttle. Many parts are modified versions of parts designed for the Space Shuttle. Others are new designs.

The first flight of the SLS will be in June 2020. However, the first crewed (carrying people) flight will be in January 2023.

Types

SLS Evolved Configurations
Left to right: Block 1, Block 1B, Block 2.

The Space Launch System comes in many different types meant to launch different kinds of missions.

Block 1

The least powerful kind of the SLS is the Block 1. The core stage will use the parts of the Space Shuttle External Tank. It will also use four Space Shuttle Main Engines. The rocket boosters are connected to the sides are the 5-segment Space Shuttle Solid Rocket Boosters. The top stage will use is the Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (ICPS).

Block 1B

Block 1B is similar to the Block 1. The top stage will change with Exploration Upper Stage (EUS). A crew version and a cargo version will be made.

Block 2

Block 2 is similar to Block 1B. The 5-segment SRBs will be changed with advanced boosters.

Related pages

Orion program
General
  • Orion (spacecraft)
  • Orion Service Module
  • Space Launch System
  • Crew Exploration Vehicle
  • Orion abort modes
  • Orion Abort Test Booster
  • Orion Lite
  • Lunar Orbital Platform-Gateway
Orion Triangle Patch.svg
Flight tests
  • Pad Abort 1 (May 2010)
  • Exploration Flight Test-1 (Dec 2014)
  • Ascent Abort Test 2 (Apr 2019)
Missions
  • Artemis 1 (Jun 2020)
  • Artemis 2 (2023)
  • Artemis 3 (2024)
  • Proposed missions
  • Italics indicate future missions

Images for kids

  • Diagram of four versions of the Space Launch System rocket

    Planned evolution of the Space Launch System, 2018 (not shown is a Block 1 Cargo that Europa Clipper may launch on)

  • MAF 20200108 Artemis Roll out JL-88 orig

    The Artemis 1 SLS core stage being loaded onto the Pegasus barge.

  • SLS Engine Test

    RS-25D engine testing at Stennis Space Center.

  • SLS mobile launch platform and tower

    SLS Mobile Launcher

  • SLS CS1 JAN1 2020-1

    The Core Stage for the Space Launch System rocket for Artemis I

  • Spacelaunchsystem-enginesection-jan2020

    The Space Launch System Core Stage rolling out of the Michoud Facility for shipping to Stennis.

  • 186141-003 Space Launch System Solid Rocket Boosters ‘on Target’ for First Flight

    SRB segment

  • ICPS-Move-to-SSPF Horizontal-1

    ICPS on the move

  • Block 1 70t Crew Expanded View

    Block 1 configuration

  • Sls block 1b poster-expanded

    Block 1B configuration

  • Block 2 130t Cargo Expanded View

    Block 2 configuration

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Space Launch System Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.