Science and Exploration

This Week at NASA: Space Launch System Milestone

By Marc Boucher
Status Report
August 30, 2014
Filed under ,
This Week at NASA: Space Launch System Milestone
This Week at NASA: Space Launch System Milestone.
NASA

On August 27, NASA announced a milestone in development of the Space Launch System heavy-lift rocket.
The completion of a rigorous review known as Key Decision Point C, or KDP-C, means NASA can transition from formulation to development of the rocket that will send humans beyond Earth orbit and to Mars. KDP-C outlines a conservative development cost baseline and a launch readiness schedule based on an initial SLS flight no later than November 2018. This marks the country’s first commitment to building an exploration class launch vehicle since the Space Shuttle Program. Also, 3-D printed rocket injector test, SLS scale model test, Composite fuel tank tests, Crossing Neptune’s orbit, New Horizons: Continuing Voyager’s legacy and more.

SpaceRef co-founder, entrepreneur, writer, podcaster, nature lover and deep thinker.