# Space Launch System

> NASA's super heavy-lift expendable launch vehicle

**Wikidata**: [Q64127](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q64127)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_Launch_System)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/space-launch-system

## Summary
The Space Launch System (SLS) is a United States super heavy-lift expendable launch vehicle developed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Classified as a Shuttle-derived vehicle, it is designed to lift very heavy payloads into low-Earth orbit and is expended after use. It serves as the primary rocket family for NASA's deep space exploration efforts.

## Key Facts
*   **Classification:** The vehicle is an instance of a rocket family and a Shuttle-derived vehicle, subclassed as a super heavy-lift expendable launch vehicle.
*   **Operator:** National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
*   **Origin:** United States.
*   **Capital Cost:** The project has an estimated capital cost of $23.011 billion (as of 2021).
*   **Operational Costs:** The rocket launch cost is estimated at $2 billion, with an annual program cost of $2.55 billion.
*   **Components:** Key hardware includes the Space Launch System Core Stage, Solid Rocket Boosters, Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage, and the Exploration Upper Stage.
*   **Iterations:** The system is developed in three distinct blocks: Block 1 (first iteration), Block 1B (second iteration), and Block 2 (third iteration).
*   **Social Media:** The verified Twitter account @NASA_SLS had 634,427 followers as of February 2023.

## FAQs
### Q: What type of vehicle is the Space Launch System?
A: The Space Launch System is a super heavy-lift expendable launch vehicle. This means it is capable of lifting very heavy payloads to low-Earth orbit and is designed for single-use only, being expended after launch.

### Q: How much does the Space Launch System cost?
A: As of 2021, the total capital cost for the project was approximately $23 billion. Individual launches are estimated to cost $2 billion, while the annual cost of the program is approximately $2.55 billion.

### Q: What are the main parts of the Space Launch System?
A: The vehicle consists of a Core Stage, Solid Rocket Boosters, and an upper stage. Depending on the configuration, it uses either the Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage or the Exploration Upper Stage.

### Q: What are the different versions of the Space Launch System?
A: NASA has developed three iterations of the vehicle: Block 1 (the first version), Block 1B (the second iteration), and Block 2 (the third iteration).

## Why It Matters
The Space Launch System represents a critical capability for the United States' space program, specifically in the domain of deep space exploration. As a "super heavy-lift" vehicle, it fills a unique niche by offering payload capacities to low-Earth orbit that exceed standard launch vehicles, enabling missions that require transporting large amounts of mass—such as crewed habitats or deep space probes—beyond Earth's gravity.

By utilizing a "Shuttle-derived" design, the SLS leverages legacy hardware and technological expertise from the Space Shuttle era, intended to reduce development risks while providing a substantial upgrade in thrust and capability. Its development ensures the availability of a domestic, heavy-lift capability independent of foreign providers, supporting proposed interstellar missions and sustained lunar operations. The financial commitment, exceeding $23 billion in capital costs, underscores its role as a cornerstone of NASA's future strategic planning.

## Notable For
*   **Heavy-Lift Capability:** Defined as a super heavy-lift launch vehicle capable of lifting very heavy payloads to low-Earth orbit.
*   **Shuttle-Derived Technology:** Distinct from clean-sheet designs, it is explicitly classified as a Shuttle-derived vehicle.
*   **Expendability:** Designed as an expendable system, contrasting with the trend toward reusability in the commercial sector.
*   **Scale of Investment:** Represents a massive capital investment of over $23 billion (USD).
*   **Modular Evolution:** Features a structured evolution through Block 1, Block 1B, and Block 2 iterations to increase performance over time.

## Body

### Classification and Design
The Space Launch System (SLS) is an expendable launch vehicle and rocket family originating from the United States. It is operated by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The vehicle falls under the class of "super heavy-lift launch vehicles," a category defined by the ability to lift very heavy payloads into low-Earth orbit. It is further classified as a "Shuttle-derived vehicle," indicating that its design incorporates technologies and hardware lineage from the Space Shuttle program.

### Vehicle Configurations
The SLS program is structured around three incremental iterations to enhance lift capability and versatility:
*   **Space Launch System Block 1:** The first iteration of the system.
*   **Space Launch System Block 1B:** The second iteration, introducing upgrades.
*   **Space Launch System Block 2:** The third iteration, representing the final evolution of the design.

### Hardware and Components
The vehicle is comprised of several critical assemblies:
*   **Space Launch System Core Stage:** The primary structural element and fuel tank.
*   **Space Launch System Solid Rocket Booster:** Provides the necessary thrust during initial ascent.
*   **Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (ICPS):** Used in earlier configurations to provide thrust in space.
*   **Exploration Upper Stage:** An advanced upper stage intended for use in Block 1B and subsequent iterations.

### Financial Data
The program involves significant financial commitments. Structured properties indicate a capital cost of $23,011,000,000 (United States dollar) for the project as of 2021. Operational metrics list a cost of $2,000,000,000 per rocket launch and an annual cost of $2,550,000,000.

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## References

1. Faceted Application of Subject Terminology
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. BBC Things
4. Quora
5. National Library of Israel
6. KBpedia