Space Launch System (SLS)

In-active

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

None

Description

The Space Launch System (SLS) is an American Space Shuttle-derived heavy expendable launch vehicle. It is part of NASA's deep space exploration plans including as the main launch vehicle of the Artemis program. SLS follows the cancellation of the Constellation program, and is to replace the retired Space Shuttle.

Specifications
  • Stages
    2
  • Length
    111.0 m
  • Diameter
    8.4 m
  • Fairing Diameter
    8.4 m
  • Launch Mass
    2948.0 T
  • Thrust
    39000.0 kN
Family
  • Name
    Space Launch System (SLS)
  • Family
  • Variant
    Block 1B
  • Alias
  • Full Name
    Space Launch System Block 1B
Payload Capacity
  • Launch Cost
    $2000000000
  • Low Earth Orbit
    105000.0 kg
  • Geostationary Transfer Orbit
  • Direct Geostationary
  • Sun-Synchronous Capacity

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Government
Administrator: Jared Isaacman
NASA 1958

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is an independent agency of the executive branch of the United States federal government responsible for the civilian space program, as well as aeronautics and aerospace research. NASA have many launch facilities but most are inactive. The most commonly used pad will be LC-39B at Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Upcoming Spaceflights


SLS Block 1B | Artemis IV

National Aeronautics and Space Administration | United States of America
Kennedy Space Center, FL, USA
TBD June, 2028
Status: To Be Determined
Mission:

Artemis IV is planned to be the first human lunar landing mission since the Apollo Program.

Lunar Orbit
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SLS Block 1B | Artemis V

National Aeronautics and Space Administration | United States of America
Kennedy Space Center, FL, USA
TBD December, 2028
Status: To Be Determined
Mission:

Artemis V is planned to be the second human lunar landing mission since the Apollo Program.

Lunar Orbit
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SLS Block 1B | Artemis VI

National Aeronautics and Space Administration | United States of America
Kennedy Space Center, FL, USA
TBD September, 2030
Status: To Be Determined
Unknown Mission

There are no mission or payload details available for this launch.


Explore Share

SLS Block 1B | Artemis VII

National Aeronautics and Space Administration | United States of America
Kennedy Space Center, FL, USA
TBD September, 2031
Status: To Be Determined
Unknown Mission

There are no mission or payload details available for this launch.


Explore Share

Long March 2D
Success
14 hours, 33 minutes ago
Shiyan 30 03-04
Launch Complex 3 (LC-3/LA-1) - Xichang Satellite Launch Center, People's Republic of China

A pair of Chinese satellites reported to be for "Earth observation technological testing and validation" purposes. Actual usage not known.


Long March 8A
Success
17 hours, 18 minutes ago
SatNet LEO Group 20
Commercial LC-1 - Wenchang Space Launch Site, People's Republic of China

A batch of 9 Low Earth Orbit communication satellites for the Chinese state owned SatNet constellation operated by the China Satellite Network Group.…


Firefly Alpha
Success
1 day, 12 hours ago
Stairway to Seven
Space Launch Complex 2W - Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA

Firefly Alpha's Flight 7 is a test flight and return-To-Flight for the launch vehicle after its April 2025 launch failure. It will test and validate …


Falcon 9
Success
3 days, 8 hours ago
EchoStar 25
Space Launch Complex 40 - Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA

EchoStar 25 is a direct broadcast satellite, built on the proven Maxar 1300 series platform, which will deliver content across North America. It will…


Falcon 9
Success
5 days, 2 hours ago
Starlink Group 17-18
Space Launch Complex 4E - Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA

A batch of 25 satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation - SpaceX's project for space-based Internet communication system.