Significant hardware and software for NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) began rolling off assembly lines in 2016, setting the stage for critical testing in 2017 and the launch of new capability for deep-space human exploration. (Figure 1) At NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility (MAF) near New Orleans, LA, full-scale test articles are being joined by flight hardware. Structural test stands are nearing completion at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC), Huntsville, AL. An SLS booster solid rocket motor underwent test firing, while flight motor segments were cast. An RS-25 and Engine Control Unit (ECU) for early SLS flights were tested at NASA's Stennis Space Center (SSC). The upper stage for the first flight was completed, and NASA completed Preliminary Design Review (PDR) for a new, powerful upper stage. The pace of production and testing is expected to increase in 2017. This paper will discuss the technical and programmatic highlights and challenges of 2016 and look ahead to plans for 2017.
NASA's Space Launch System Takes Shape
Joint Army-Navy-NASA-Air Force (JANNAF) Meeting of the Rocket Nozzle Technology Subcommittee (RNTS)
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2017
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Kansas City, MO, United States
Joint Army-Navy-NASA-Air Force (JANNAF) Programmatic and Industrial Base Meeting (PIB)
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2017
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Kansas City, MO, United States
Joint Army-Navy-NASA-Air Force (JANNAF) Meeting of the Propellant and Explosives Development and Characterization Subcommittee (PEDCS)
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2017
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Kansas City, MO, United States
Joint Army-Navy-NASA-Air Force (JANNAF) Meeting of the Structures and Mechanical Behavior Subcommittee (SMBS)
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2017
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Kansas City, MO, United States
Joint Army-Navy-NASA-Air Force (JANNAF) Meeting of the Safety and Environmental Protection Subcommittee (SEPS)
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2017
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Kansas City, MO, United States
Joint Army-Navy-NASA-Air Force (JANNAF) Propulsion Meeting (JPM)
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2017
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Kansas City, MO, United States
2017-05-22
Conference paper
No indication
English
NASA's Space Launch System Takes Shape
NTRS | 2017
|NASA's Space Launch System Takes Shape
NTRS | 2017
|NASA's Space Launch System Takes Shape
NTIS | 2017
|NASA's Space Launch System Takes Shape
NTIS | 2017
|