NASA's deep-space rocket, known as the Space Launch System (SLS) is ready for lift-off by 2018, at least according to an agency review of the system.
The review, which is thorough and looks at everything from the rocket's creation to the program's budget, formally allows NASA to fully commit to the project. The SLS is the first rocket of its kind built to carry humans beyond Earth's orbit and to Mars. The SLS is also the first heavy-lift launch vehicle built in 40 years by the agency, since the creation of the space shuttle.
The SLS, the largest rocket ever built, is part of NASA's plan to get humans to the red planet. In 2010, the federal government tasked the agency with taking the next steps in space exploration, with the intention of reaching Mars.
"We are on a journey of scientific and human exploration that leads to Mars," says NASA Administrator Charles Bolden. "And we're firmly committed to building the launch vehicle and other supporting systems that will take us on that journey."
The first test for SLS will have it carrying a 77-ton Orion capsule beyond low-Earth orbit. The rocket, however, can handle up to 143 tons, once completed.
The Orion capsule is part of a separate project, designed for carrying people on the long trip to Mars. Its first space test flight happens in December 2014.
However, the largest challenge for SLS is NASA's funding. According to a recent report by the Government Accountability Office, the agency needs about $400 million more for the program.
"Without identifying a range of mission possibilities and their required funding, the program is at risk of making uninformed decisions and pursuing development paths that may not make the most efficient use of limited resources in the near term and could negatively impact longer term affordability," states the report.
This is probably why NASA is stating that the SLS launch will happen in 2018, rather than in 2017, like the agency originally planned. With constant budget cuts threatening its programs, NASA could have cause for worry.
However, NASA's review of the SLS program considered costs, along with the SLS schedule. The agency feels that its November 2018 launch date is reasonable, and are even hoping that SLS can launch even before that. The agency is confident that they are still on track to send humans to Mars by 2030.
Others, however, may beat NASA to the red planet. The ambitious non-profit Mars One project hopes to colonize Mars by 2025.
