Launcher

SLS

SLS is currently operated by NASA - Boeing provides the stages, avionics, and integration.

Launcher Info

Status
In Service
Maximum Performance
Super Heavy-Lift
Type
Rocket Launcher
Reusability

Launcher Cofigurations

Tab 1
Tab 2
Tab 3

Related Links

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Additional Background

The Space Launch System (SLS) is supposed to represent a Space Shuttle heritage launcher. It does use components from the Space Shuttle, including the first stage main engines. It is intended as a heavy-lift launcher, capable of launching payloads beyond the Earth-Luna system, as well as launching substantive payloads for the Artemis program, including Orion - which is its core focus.

Irregardless of criticisms about cost, SLS operated flawlessly on its one and only launch so far.

Launches From

Active
United States

Engines

Northrop Grumman Space Systems
In Service
Solid
PBAN
APCP
Aerojet Rocketdyne
In Service
Liquid
Hydrogen
Oxygen
Aerojet Rocketdyne
In Service
Liquid
Hydrogen
Oxygen

Common Payloads

Lockheed Martin
In Service
Crew

Company

Publicly-Traded
Active Business

Operated By

Civilian Agency
Organized 
1958
Active
United States

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Service History

Development History

Launch Manifest

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Launch History

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SLS Block 2
Provides more substantive lift capacity for launches to Luna and beyond with large payloads.
Configuration Service Status
Planned
Mass to LEO Classification
Super-Heavy-Lift
Performance
Orbit
Mass to Orbit (kg)
Low-Earth Orbit (LEO)
130000
No Data
Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO)
No Data
Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO)
No Data
Geostationary Orbit (GSO)
No Data
Lunar Transfer Orbit (LTO)
46000
No Data
Mars Transfer Orbit (MTO)
No Data
Specs
Orbit
Mass to Orbit (kg)
Length
111
No Data
Diameter
111
No Data
Dry Mass
No Data
Pressurized Volume
No Data
No detailed launcher stage information is available.
SLS Block 1B
Upgraded Block 1 supports operational missions to Luna with crew and cargo.
Configuration Service Status
Under Development
Mass to LEO Classification
Super-Heavy-Lift
Performance
Orbit
Mass to Orbit (kg)
Low-Earth Orbit (LEO)
105000
No Data
Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO)
No Data
Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO)
No Data
Geostationary Orbit (GSO)
No Data
Lunar Transfer Orbit (LTO)
42000
No Data
Mars Transfer Orbit (MTO)
No Data
Specs
Orbit
Mass to Orbit (kg)
Length
111
No Data
Diameter
111
No Data
Dry Mass
No Data
Pressurized Volume
No Data
No detailed launcher stage information is available.
SLS Block 1
Initial SLS variant, designed to provide initial capabiltiies for launch of the Orion on its test flights.
Configuration Service Status
In Service
Mass to LEO Classification
Super-Heavy-Lift
Performance
Orbit
Mass to Orbit (kg)
Low-Earth Orbit (LEO)
95000
No Data
Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO)
No Data
Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO)
No Data
Geostationary Orbit (GSO)
No Data
Lunar Transfer Orbit (LTO)
27000
No Data
Mars Transfer Orbit (MTO)
No Data
Specs
Orbit
Mass to Orbit (kg)
Length
98
No Data
Diameter
98
No Data
Dry Mass
No Data
Pressurized Volume
No Data
No detailed launcher stage information is available.