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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


Images for kids

  • Spacelaunchsystem-enginesection-jan2020

    The SLS core stage rolling out of the Michoud Assembly Facility for shipping to Stennis Space Center

  • SLS Configuration

    Planned evolution of the SLS, 2018

  • NASA Readies Artemis II Liquid Hydrogen Tank for Next Phase of Manufacturing

    Liquid hydrogen tank for Artemis 2 under construction, as of August 2020

  • MAF 20210609 CS2 BoatTail2CellA09

    "Boat-tail" for Artemis 2 under construction, as of June 2021

  • NASA Readies Artemis III (MAF 20210401 ARTIII ESLift14)

    Engine section shroud structure for Artemis 3 under construction, as of April 2021

  • NASA OIG 20-012 Figure 7

    Visual from the March 2020 Inspector General report, showing how NASA used accounting to "mask" a cost increase by moving the boosters (which cost $889 million) from the SLS to another cost center, without updating the SLS budget to match

  • NASA’s SLS and SpaceX’s Falcon 9 at Launch Complex 39A & 39B (NHQ202204060003)

    Space Launch System and Falcon 9 at Launch Complex 39, the former is preparing for the Axiom Mission 1, and the latter for the Artemis 1 mission.

  • 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.