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Status of NASA's Space Launch System NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) continued to make significant progress in 2015 and 2016, completing hardware and testing that brings NASA closer to a new era of deep space exploration. Programmatically, SLS completed Critical Design Review (CDR) in 2015. A team of independent reviewers concluded that the vehicle design is technically and programmatically ready to move to Design Certification Review (DCR) and launch readiness in 2018. Just five years after program start, every major element has amassed development and flight hardware and completed key tests that will lead to an accelerated pace of manufacturing and testing in 2016 and 2017. Key to SLS' rapid progress has been the use of existing technologies adapted to the new launch vehicle. The existing fleet of RS-25 engines is undergoing adaptation tests to prove it can meet SLS requirements and environments with minimal change. The four-segment shuttle-era booster has been modified and updated with a fifth propellant segment, new insulation, and new avionics. The Interim Cryogenic Upper Stage is a modified version of an existing upper stage. The first Block I SLS configuration will launch a minimum of 70 metric tons (t) of payload to low Earth orbit (LEO). The vehicle architecture has a clear evolutionary path to more than 100t and, ultimately, to 130t. Among the program's major 2015-2016 accomplishments were two booster qualification hotfire tests, a series of RS-25 adaptation hotfire tests, manufacturing of most of the major components for both core stage test articles and first flight tank, delivery of the Pegasus core stage barge, and the upper stage simulator. Renovations to the B-2 test stand for stage green run testing was completed at NASA Stennis Space Center. This year will see the completion of welding for all qualification and flight EM-1 core stage components and testing of flight avionics, completion of core stage structural test stands, casting of the EM-1 solid rocket motors, additional testing of RS-25 engines and flight engine controllers This paper will discuss these and other technical and programmatic successes and challenges over the past year and provide a preview of work ahead before the first flight of this new capability.
Document ID
20160012071
Acquisition Source
Marshall Space Flight Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Honeycutt, John
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Lyles, Garry
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Date Acquired
October 7, 2016
Publication Date
September 26, 2016
Subject Category
Spacecraft Propulsion And Power
Launch Vehicles And Launch Operations
Report/Patent Number
M16-5551
IAC-16-D2.1
Meeting Information
Meeting: International Astronautical Congress. Session D2.1: Launch Vehicles in Service or in Development
Location: Guadalarjara
Country: Mexico
Start Date: September 26, 2016
End Date: September 30, 2016
Sponsors: International Astronautical Federation
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NNM07AA70C
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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