activeNASA / Boeing (prime)
Space Launch System (SLS)
NASA's super heavy-lift launch vehicle for deep space. Block 1 successfully flew Artemis I in 2022 — most powerful rocket flown at the time. Block 1B (Exploration Upper Stage by Boeing) planned for Artemis IV+. Under scrutiny for high per-launch cost vs. SpaceX Starship. Congress has maintained funding through reconciliation acts.
Ad 728x90
Budget
$23.8B development (through 2024); ~$2.5B per launch (GAO estimate)
Timeline
2011–ongoing
Key Milestones
First flight (Artemis I) — generated 8.8M lbs thrust, traveled 1.4M miles
2022 — Nov
SLS Block 1 — Artemis II crewed flight
2026
SLS Block 1B — Exploration Upper Stage for Artemis IV+
2028
Contractors
BANOCLMT
Ad 300x250
Sources
- nasa.gov/artemis