Space Launch System (SLS) is NASA’s proven choice to carry crew and cargo to the Moon and beyond. Artemis III is scheduled to launch in 2027 to demonstrate mission critical systems needed for future lunar landings, beginning with Artemis IV in 2028.
Here are five reasons SLS is premier best rocket to send Americans back to the Moon:
1. SLS is the only rocket qualified to send astronauts to the Moon.
SLS is currently the only human-rated rocket, meaning it meets NASA’s highest requirements for crew safety and reliability. This makes the super heavy-lift rocket the only one capable of sending spacecraft, astronauts, and large cargo directly to the surface of the Moon in a single launch.
2. SLS is the world’s most capable rocket.
SLS is the most capable rocket ever built. It is designed to take humans farther and faster into space in a single launch. Its design, which will advance in line with new, innovative aerospace technologies, offers the greatest performance to propel human, cargo and science missions to deep space destinations. The initial rockets, with the horsepower of about 160,000 Corvette engines, will deliver 27 metric tons of payload to the Moon. The final rocket configuration will deliver more than 38 metric tons to the Moon.
3. SLS is flexible for different types of missions.
SLS can be configured to transport people, cargo, and science experiments into space. The rocket can evolve based on the needs of the mission while remaining safe, affordable, and sustainable.
4. SLS is American-made.
SLS is made right here in America. It is designed in Alabama, built in Louisiana, tested in Mississippi, and launched in Florida. SLS has suppliers from almost every state providing hardware and advanced technologies. Thousands will look to the sky each time the SLS launches, knowing they played a key role in building American space dominance.
5. SLS is part of a long-term space program.
American manufacturers helped America win the 20th century space race. With the Artemis program, they’ve been building spacecraft for more than 60 years with NASA.
SLS was built using decades of aerospace knowledge and expertise needed to ensure that NASA astronauts return safely to the Moon and help America win the modern-day space race.
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