SLS
NASA and Northrop Grumman test SLS booster
NASA and Northrop Grumman successfully tested Sept. 2 a solid rocket booster developed for the Space Launch System that incorporates improvements intended for future SLS missions.
NASA increases cost estimate for SLS development
NASA has increased the cost estimates for the Space Launch System and its ground systems to the point where a formal congressional notification is required.
NASA hopeful SLS Green Run test remains on schedule
Despite a weather-related pause in testing work, NASA still hopes to complete the Green Run test of the Space Launch System core stage in October, keeping its first launch on track for late next year.
Compatibility issue adds new wrinkle to Europa Clipper launch vehicle selection
A long-running debate about how to launch a multibillion-dollar NASA mission to Jupiter is now further complicated by potential technical issues involving one of the vehicles.
NASA still grappling with effects of coronavirus pandemic
Four months after closing centers because of the coronavirus pandemic, NASA has been able to keep its highest priority missions on track, even as others have suffered delays.
NASA continues efforts to set up long-term SLS production
NASA has taken another step in its efforts to establish a long-term production line for the Space Launch System, although it remains uncertain what cost savings, if any, those contracts will provide.
First SLS launch now expected in late 2021
NASA now expects the first launch of the Space Launch System to take place in late 2021, with the coronavirus pandemic at least partially contributing to the latest delays.
Aerojet Rocketdyne defends SLS engine contract costs
Despite sticker shock from some quarters, Aerojet Rocketdyne says a new contract for producing engines for NASA’s Space Launch System will result in cost reductions compared to the engines used on the space shuttle.
GAO warns of continued cost growth on NASA exploration programs
A new study found that costs on major NASA projects continued to grow in the last year, and warned some of the agency’s highest profile programs will likely face additional cost overruns and delays in the near future.
Coronavirus pandemic to halt SLS testing
NASA has elevated two centers to the highest level of its pandemic response plan, halting preparations for a major test of the Space Launch System.
Report finds delays and cost overruns in SLS mobile launch platform development
NASA will spend nearly $1 billion on a mobile launch platform for the Space Launch System that will be used for no more than four launches, a NASA report released March 17 revealed.
SLS cost growth exceeds threshold for formal review
The cost of NASA’s Space Launch System has grown to the point where the agency must notify Congress and perform a formal reassessment of the program, NASA’s inspector general concluded in a March 10 report.
First SLS launch now expected in second half of 2021
A top NASA official said Feb. 28 he expects the first flight of the Space Launch System to take place in the second half of 2021, a later date than prior agency statements.
First SLS core stage ready for shipment
The first core stage for NASA’s Space Launch System finally rolled out of its factory Jan. 8, ready to be shipped to a NASA center for a key series of tests in the coming months.
NASA and Boeing look ahead to long-term SLS production
As NASA marked the completion of the core stage of the first Space Launch System rocket, the agency and the rocket’s prime contractor are in the midst of negotiations for a long-term production contract for additional vehicles.
