NASA's Space Launch System Celebrates a Year of Powering Forward
Artist concept of the NASA Space Launch System initial crew
vehicle launching from the Kennedy Space Center. (NASA) View
large image NASA is powering ahead toward new destinations in
the solar system. This week marks one year of progress since the
formation of the Space Launch System (SLS), the nation's next
step in human exploration efforts. On Sept. 14, 2011, NASA
announced a new capability for America's space program: a heavy-
lift rocket designed to carry the Orion spacecraft and send
astronauts farther into space than ever before. And now, one
year later, NASA has made swift progress improving on existing
hardware, testing and developing new components, and paving the
way for a new launch vehicle. The SLS will make human
exploration of deep space a reality and create new possibilities
for scientific discovery. "The SLS is a national capability and
will be the largest rocket ever built, providing the power we
need to truly explore beyond our