Exploration opportunities enabled by the space launch system

Abstract

Exciting and robust human and robotic exploration missions will be enabled by the NASA Space Launch System (SLS). The SLS's capabilities for launching heavy payloads with large diameters (up to 10 meters) will enable a variety of science rich missions including Mars and outer planet missions; including Human missions utilizing the Orion Crew Vehicle. Missions to cislunar destinations will serve as proving grounds for later Crewed Mars Missions in the 2030s. In this report an outline is given of the capabilities of the SLS, strategies for exploration missions are presented, and descriptions of SLS based payload elements are given. The SLS program is making progress toward delivering a new capability for Beyond Earth Orbit exploration.