Questions tagged [sls]
The Space Launch System (SLS) is NASA's rocket replacement for the Space Shuttle for large payloads. Use for questions about the vehicle and the launching of any payloads.
115 questions
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Would it be practical to redesign the SLS - EUS with the Raptor 3 Vacuum, replacing RL10 engines? [closed]
The SLS - Exploration Upper Stage (EUS) is currently powered by a single RL10 engine. Theoretically, NASA might decide to explore the feasibility of mounting EUS on top of the SpaceX Starship. But the ...
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Can the SLS's mobile launch platform be rotated at the launch complex to keep the rocket on the leeward side of the tower in case of high winds?
This is a follow-on question from the discussion in the comments of an answer to this question.
Some helpful links:
https://spacenews.com/nasa-investigating-very-minor-artemis-hurricane-damage/
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Why can't NASA launch Artemis (SLS/Orion) as often as SpaceX is launching Starship?
In 2022 NASA conducted a successful uncrewed lunar flight of the Orion, Artemis 1. Yet, the following mission and first crewed flight, Artemis 2, will launch in fall 2025 the earliest. In comparison, ...
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What are the arms for under the nozzle of NASA engine tests?
When NASA tests rocket engines at the Stennis Space Center, the engines have two arms under the nozzle. When the engines start these arms swing out of the way of the exhaust. What are these arms for?
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Why did the SLS only reach a TLI speed of 17500 mph
Why did the SLS only reach a TLI speed of 17500 mph when the Saturn V reached a TLI speed of 24500? The SLS was considerably lighter and had 15% more thrust and should have been able to achieve a ...
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What would be the boosters on SLS Block 2?
The SLS block 2 is planned to have advanced boosters. What type of boosters are these and how much thrust will those produce?
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How feasible is a manned flight to Apophis in 2029 using Artemis or Starship?
Apophis will fly by Earth around GEO altitude in 2029. May NASA consider launching an Orion spacecraft on a (sub-)orbital trajectory whose apogee is very close to Apophis so that astronauts can study ...
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What is the purpose of the aft skirt on the Space Shuttle and SLS Solid Rocket Boosters?
The Solid Rocket Boosters (SRBs) used by the Space Shuttle and SLS have a skirt near the bottom.
What is it for? Is it only to support the stack?
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ROFI Temperature
Since hydrogen-fueled rockets usually require Radial Outward Firing Igniters (ROFI), what is the temperature of the sparks from this system? When seen at RS-25/RS-68 ignition, they don't melt but ...
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Why will Artemis II not orbit the Moon?
The Artemis II mission will loiter in an elliptical, high-Earth orbit before the Orion uses its own propulsion to complete the trans lunar injection (tli), thus using the fuel it might’ve otherwise ...
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Why does the ICPS carry extra hydrogen?
The Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (ICPS) of the Space Launch System is essentially the Delta Cryogenic Second Stage (DCSS) lifted from the Delta IV rocket. However, among other minor changes, the ...
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Why does the more complex looking Starship launch tower cost so much less than SLS' tower?
On the surface, you would think that SpaceX launch tower would be more costly with its mechanical arms, but I doubt it touches the cost of the SLS'. Is this mainly due to the use of hydrogen, or are ...
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What happened to ArgoMoon?
The primary objective of the Italian ArgoMoon cubesat was to image the Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (ICPS) after being jettisoned from it.
Argotec engineers noticed the inability of the Interim ...
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Why not crash the ICPS into the Moon?
The Wikipedia article on Artemis 1 says that an ICPS disposal burn was performed after spacecraft separation. This was intended to send the ICPS into heliocentric orbit after passing the Moon. Why ...
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What happens if you use an expired solid rocket booster?
Prior to the launch, there was media coverage about how the SLS solid rocket boosters were set to expire in December (which could have caused the launch to be delayed).
Was this expiration date based ...
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