NASA preparing for Mars - Curt Lewis

 

NASA Is Building A Space Launch System For A Trip To Mars

Space Launch System
The SLS will take satellites on its 2018 expedition.

There is a new plan by NASA to build a huge rocket that can launch people to Mars, according to the Daily Mail.

This is the Space Launch System, or SLS, which will be the strongest launch system with the capabilities to drive into deep space. With a weight of 5.5 million pounds, the rocket will have 8.4 million pounds of lift-off thrust.

At 322 feet, it will be among the longest space ships too. The SLS will send probes and satellites on its first mission.

While the scientists are working on the simulation core stage, there is a plan to make it more than 200 ft. tall and store cryogenic liquid hydrogen as well as liquid oxygen, says a NASA press release.
"This hardware is an excellent proving ground for the core stage - from manufacturing and assembly to the launch site," said lead engineer for the core Shane Carpenter. "We don't want the first time we transport the core stage to be with flight hardware. That's why having a pathfinder is critical to the program."