VOOZH about

URL: https://www.nasa.gov/humans-in-space/space-launch-system/

⇱ Space Launch System (SLS) - NASA

Suggested Searches

Editor’s Note: NASA is updating this webpage to align with the latest Artemis program updates announced in February and National Space Policy initiatives announced in March. Learn more about upcoming missions and the agency’s plans to advance Moon to Mars goals, including America’s return to the lunar surface.

Space Launch System

Combining power and capability, NASA’s Space Launch System rocket is part of NASA’s backbone for deep space exploration and Artemis. SLS is the only rocket that can send Orion, astronauts, and cargo directly to the Moon in a single launch.

Learn More about Space Launch System

Latest News

1 Min Read

Weather for NASA’s Artemis II Mission Launch 80% Favorable

Blog
1 Min Read

Final Preparations Underway for NASA’s Moon Mission

Blog
2 Min Read

Artemis II Crew Arrives at Launch Site, Shares Moon Mascot

Blog
3 Min Read

I Am Artemis: Michael Guzman

Article

NASA Releases Hooray for SLS! Children's Book

Hooray for SLS! is the first in a series of illustrated children's books that aims to introduce young explorers to NASA's Artemis campaign. In addition to a downloadable version of the book, coloring sheets, and student activities, parents and educators can watch and listen to a read aloud version of the book on YouTube.

We Are Going

Artemis Blog

As NASA prepares for the first crewed flights of SLS, the Artemis blog is a source of information on Artemis launch and exploration progress and preparations.

Learn More
👁 A close-up view of NASA's Orion spacecraft atop the Space Launch System at Launch Complex 39B with a full Moon in the background.
A full Moon is in view from Launch Complex 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on June 14, 2022. The Artemis I Space Launch System (SLS) and Orion spacecraft, atop the mobile launcher, are being prepared for a wet dress rehearsal to practice timelines and procedures for launch.
NASA/Ben Smegelsky

Reference Guide

The SLS Reference Guide is the go-to source for information on the SLS rocket’s initial Block 1 configuration for NASA’s early Artemis missions, including its design, capabilities, major components, and manufacturing, testing, assembly, and launch activities. These documents were initially prepared for Artemis I and Artemis II launch activities.

Learn More about Reference Guide
👁 Image

Additional Resources

Media Resources

Access program fact sheets, archived news, imagery assets for media, soundbites, and media contact information

Public Engagement

Explore outreach opportunities and events, hands-on activities, monthly highlights, educator guides, and other downloadable content about SLS

Launching Science & Technology

Learn how the SLS rocket’s evolvable design makes it possible to fly more types of missions and enable science and discovery to other deep space destinations

Featured Video

“Fuel” and Fire: NASA’s Artemis Missions to the Moon, feat. Metallica

What do Metallica and NASA’s Artemis missions to the Moon have in common? Both love “Fuel” and fire. See footage of the Artemis I launch scored by Metallica’s “Fuel.”

Learn More about Artemis

Galleries

👁 The NASA Michoud Assembly Facility workforce and with other agency team members take a “family photo” with the SLS (Space Launch System) core stage for Artemis II in the background. The core stage will help launch the first crewed flight of NASA’s SLS rocket for the agency’s Artemis II mission. The move marked the first time a fully assembled Moon rocket stage for a crewed mission has rolled out from NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans since the Apollo Program, The core stage was moved onto the agency’s Pegasus barge, where it will be ferried to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The core stage for the SLS mega rocket is the largest stage NASA has ever produced. At 212 feet tall, the stage consists of five major elements, including two huge propellant tanks that collectively hold more than 733,000 gallons of super chilled liquid propellant to feed four RS-25 engines at its base. During launch and flight, the stage will operate for just over eight minutes, producing more than 2 million pounds of thrust to help send a crew of four astronauts inside NASA’s Orion spacecraft onward to the Moon. NASA is working to land the first woman, first person of color, and its first international partner astronaut on the Moon under Artemis. SLS is part of NASA’s backbone for deep space exploration, along with the Orion spacecraft and Gateway in orbit around the Moon and commercial human landing systems, next-generation space, next-generational spacesuits, and rovers on the lunar surface. SLS is the only rocket that can send Orion, astronauts, and supplies to the Moon in a single launch.

People

Space Launch System Gallery

591 Images