Artist's impression of the Space Launch System in action. Image Credit: NASA
The new Space Launch System will enable ambitious future missions including a manned trip to Mars.
A major part of NASA's upcoming space endeavors, the SLS is a scalable launch vehicle that is able to lift up to 130 metric tons making it the most capable heavy-lifter ever developed.
Designed to succeed the space shuttle program following its discontinuation back in 2011, the launcher will be used for a variety of missions including trips to the space station, NASA's upcoming manned mission to an asteroid and eventually even a manned mission to Mars.
This week the space agency released a new video showcasing the capabilities of the Space Launch System in an uncharacteristically adrenaline-pumping sequence that wouldn't have looked out of place in the trailer for an upcoming summer blockbuster.
The video reaffirms NASA's commitment to the SLS program and to developing the technologies needed to enable mankind to ultimately move beyond the confines of our terrestrial sphere.
"Every single moment of our time and every single dollar of our assets must be dedicated to developing those technologies that allow us to go beyond low Earth orbit," NASA administrator Charles Bolden said during the recent Humans to Mars Summit in Washington.
"Moon, asteroid, Mars, are not either/ors. Humans will again return to the lunar surface."
I take it that the capsule comes back to Earth in a traditional reentry using a parachute. Or does the capsule come back? The video didn't show it returning.
I take it that the capsule comes back to Earth in a traditional reentry using a parachute. Or does the capsule come back? The video didn't show it returning. I'm willing to bet it comes back and it probably uses a parachute. Or maybe they dock with the space station before getting a ride back? That'd be cool, too.
This looks like a twenty first century version of the Apollo capsule atop a Titan 3 on steroids. You think NASA could come up with something newer better and safer.
This looks like a twenty first century version of the Apollo capuhsule atop a Titan 3 on steroids. You think NASA could come up with something newer better and safer. Actually NASA never wanted to move beyond capsules. They work really well. But the government at the time wanted a space plane, even though they were less effective, because space plane! I picture every meeting between NASA officials and the DOD at the time as the NASA guy staring why capsules are better and the DoD guys just responding with "space ane! So cool!"
Still using propellant for speed gain? Based on a principle we've known for over 300 YEARS, then justifying it with an HD video with speed variation effects and music? Some progress we have made indeed. HOORAY!
Still using propellant for speed gain? Based on a principle we've known for over 300 YEARS, then justifying it with an HD video with speed variation effects and music? Some progress we have made indeed. HOORAY!
Still using propellant for speed gain? Based on a principle we've known for over 300 YEARS, then justifying it with an HD video with speed variation effects and music? Some progress we have made indeed. HOORAY!
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