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It's possible that the Space Launch System rocket test flight could launch as early as December 2017, but NASA officials have committed to having the rocket ready for flight be the end of 2018 to be safe. That extra wiggle room should let the space agency cope with scheduling and funding issues as they crop up in the future, NASA officials said in a teleconference with reporters.
The SLS will be the largest rocket ever constructed and it is designed to send humans deeper into space than ever before. The huge launcher — which will stand at 400-feet-tall (122 meters) in its final configuration — could deliver NASA astronauts to an asteroid and even Mars sometime in the future. [See images of NASA's SLS rocket design]
originally posted by: lostbook
The best news is that SLS will take humans to Mars where we'll find life! Only that life will be colonists living in the MarsOne colony.....! Lol!
www.space.com...
originally posted by: f0xbat
I thought when you said space launch system that NASA has finally found a way to build and launch rockets from space, hence making efficient use of fuel. This sounds like just a bigger rocket with bigger payload. Hardly efficient. So much fuel wasted fighting gravity.
originally posted by: f0xbat
a reply to: OccamsRazor04
I thought when i read SLS that NASA has plans to convert the International Space station as a possible launch site. I thought NASA had found a way to deliver the rocket to the IS. Clearly i had a different idea.
originally posted by: f0xbat
a reply to: OccamsRazor04
Yer, i agree, i thought NASA had found a way to overcome this problem. I guess the name SLS just threw me off.
What ever happens to the aero spike engine?
originally posted by: astroroach
Before you get all excited about SLS and Mars, you should read this article.
"...NASA wants everyone to be thinking about Mars. But no actual Mars missions were mentioned. No timeline was offered. No budget to do the whole Mars thing was available...at no point has NASA identified a single penny that might be used to pay for such missions."
The fact is, only two SLS missions are funded - one manned test and one unmanned.
spaceref.com/sls/using-jedi-mind-tricks-to-sell-nasas-next-big-rocket.html
a reply to: lostbook
Our nation is embarked on an ambitious space exploration program, and we owe it to the American taxpayers to get it right,” said Associate Administrator Robert Lightfoot, who oversaw the review process. “After rigorous review, we’re committing today to a funding level and readiness date that will keep us on track to sending humans to Mars in the 2030s – and we’re going to stand behind that commitment.
originally posted by: OccamsRazor04
originally posted by: lostbook
The best news is that SLS will take humans to Mars where we'll find life! Only that life will be colonists living in the MarsOne colony.....! Lol!
www.space.com...
+1 .. loved that comment. All the really exciting stuff will be happening as I am dying
originally posted by: wildespace
a reply to: astroroach
I'm not terribly excited about Mars, as I know that such a mission is several decades away in the future. I am, however, excited about this rocket system giving humans the possibility to go beyond the low-earth orbit, and I think NASA are doing a good job.