Photos: NASA's Space Launch System for Deep Space Flights

NASA’s New Rocket from Boeing

An artist's rendering of NASA's Space Launch System (SLS). Boeing is the prime contractor responsible for the SLS cryogenic stages and avionics.

Artist's Concept of Space Launch System on the Pad

This artist's concept shows NASA's Space Launch System atop its Florida launch pad.

Space Launch System: NASA's Giant Rocket Explained

NASA's giant Space Launch System, or SLS, is derived from proven technology used for decades in America's moon program and the space shuttle. See how NASA's Space Launch System mega-rocket works in this Space.com infographic.

Artist's View: NASA's Space Launch System at the Pad

This artist's concept shows a vertical view of NASA's Space Launch System on the launch pad.

SLS Architecture Reference Configuration

An artist rendering of the various configurations of NASA's Space Launch System (SLS), managed by the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala. The flexible configuration, sharing the same basic core-stage, allows for different crew and cargo flights as needed, promoting efficiency, time and cost savings. The SLS enables exploration missions beyond low-Earth orbit and support travel to asteroids, Mars and other destinations within our solar system.

SLS Possible Exploration Destinations

An artist's concept shows the Orion Multipurpose Crew Vehicle and future destinations for human exploration beyond Earth orbit: the moon, an asteroid and Mars.

70t Crew Expanded View

An expanded view of an artist rendering of the 70-metric-ton configuration of NASA's Space Launch System.

130t Cargo Expanded View

An expanded view of an artist rendering of the 130 metric ton configuration of NASA's Space Launch System.

NASA's Space Launch System at Liftoff

This artist's concept shows NASA's giant rocket, the Space Launch System, soaring off a launch pad at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The rocket is NASA's new booster for deep space missions to an asteroid and ultimately Mars.

A Bigger Splash

Orion MPCV test-lands in water at NASA's Langley Research Center.

Funding for NASA Spaceship's Launch Escape System Runs Out

Technicians ready the Orion launch abort vehicle for a May 6 test at the U.S. Army White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico.