Space & Astronomy

NASA unveils video of its new Mars rocket

By T.K. Randall
June 11, 2015

Image: Space Launch System Artist Concept
Credit: NASA 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."

"There is no question in my mind."


Source: CNET.com

Tags: SLS, NASA, Rocket