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

NASA's New Spaceships Could Tag-Team Asteroid

A manned asteroid mission using two Orion spacecraft, docked nose-to-nose to form a 50-ton deep space vehicle, is being studied by Lockheed Martin Space Systems.

Lockheed Martin Orion capsule testing facility

Lockheed Martin’s Space Operations Simulation Center in Colorado can simulate on-orbit docking maneuvers, using mockups of NASA's Orion space capsule (left) and the International Space Station.

Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle

Artist's rendering of NASA's Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle on a deep space mission.

Operation 'Plymouth Rock': Astronauts on an Asteroid

This artist's illustration depicts a 'Plymouth Rock' asteroid mission with astronauts and NASA's Orion spacecraft as envisioned by Lockheed Martin.

New Moon Rocket Could Launch Giant Space Telescopes

This artist's concept shows the Ares V cargo launch vehicle, formerly under consideration as the next space launch vehicle.

Artist Concept: SLS Initial Configuration

The initial configuration of SLS will be able to launch payloads in a five-meter-class fairing compatible with current spacecraft designs. (Concept updated Jan. 14, 2014.)

SLS: Numerous Benefits for Scientific Missions

This artist concept shows NASA's Space Launch System, or SLS, which offers numerous benefits for scientific missions, from larger spacecraft mass to reduced travel time through the solar system in route to other worlds. (Concept updated Jan. 14, 2014.)