Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY — NASA is closer than ever to helping man set foot on Mars.
The agency's Space Launch System, which includes the "world's largest rocket motor" designed by Utah-based Orbital ATK, recently passed its critical design review. It is the first time a rocket designed to transport humans has cleared the review in nearly 40 years, according to NASA.
"We've nailed down the design of SLS, we've successfully completed the first round of testing of the rocket's engines and boosters, and all the major components for the first flight are now in production," deputy associate administrator of NASA's Exploration Systems Development Division Bill Hill said in a statement. "There have been challenges, and there will be more ahead, but this review gives us confidence that we are on the right track for the first flight of SLS and using it to extend permanent human presence into deep space."
The SLS is designed to carry as many as four astronauts to Mars — and beyond. The first launch of the rocket is anticipated to take place in 2018 and testing is well underway. Orbital ATK's twin five-segment solid rocket boosters are part of the SLS vehicle's Block 1 configuration, which was examined for the design review.
NASA had 13 teams of industry experts examine more than 1,000 documents and 150 GB of data as part of the critical design review, which is the last review of concepts and designs. The SLS will advance on to the design certification stage in 2017 after the approved rocket parts have been manufactured and tested, according to NASA.
Now, NASA and Orbital ATK are preparing for a second ground test of the rocket boosters. Back in March, the boosters passed a full duration ground test with flying colors in Promontory. The next test will simulate flight conditions and take place in spring 2016.
Related Story
