SLS Vehicle Overview
A complete overview of the SLS launch vehicle, including launch stats, vehicle info and launch locations.
Rocket Info (SLS Block 1)
Status
Active
Stages
2
Length
111 m
Diameter
8.4 m
Launch Mass
2,628 tons
Thrust
39,000 kN
Reusability
Not Reusable
Payload Info (SLS Block 1)
LEO Capacity
95,000 kg
Launch Cost
$2,000M
The Space Launch System (SLS) is a super heavy-lift expendable launch vehicle developed by NASA, primarily for the Artemis Moon landing program. It's designed to launch the crewed Orion spacecraft on a trans-lunar trajectory. The first SLS launch, Artemis 1, was uncrewed and occurred on November 16, 2022. SLS, derived from the Space Shuttle program, reuses hardware like the solid rocket boosters and RS-25 first stage engines. The SLS has different configurations (Block 1, 1B, 2), with each variant offering unique capabilities in terms of payload and mission objectives. All SLS flights launch from Kennedy Space Center, Florida.
Common SLS Questions
Launch Sites used by SLS
Kennedy Space Center
NASA's primary launch site for human spaceflight, housing iconic facilities and a rich space history.