Launch configurations

Launch abort system jettisons the crew to safety in the event of a launchpad failure.

Launch abort system

Orion crew vehicle

Cargo fairing

Exploration upper stage

The core stage of the rocket is orange because that is the natural color of the insulation that will cover it.

Core stage

Solid rocket boosters

Advanced boosters

RS-25 engines

A

B

C

D

A. An initial mission will take an unmanned crew vehicle around the moon and back to demonstrate the capabilities of the vehicle and ground support crew. B. A second mission will also travel around the moon, but this time with a crew of four. C. More ambitious missions to Mars and beyond will require a vehicle capable of carrying a crew along with other systems like a deep-space habitat and or science spacecraft. D. A cargo configuration will also be necessary for missions to Mars.

SPACE LAUNCH SYSTEM

Main engines

The core stage features four RS-25 engines, each capable of 418,000 lbs of thrust.

Two boosters, derived from those of the shuttle, each provide an additional 3.6 million pounds of thrust.

ORION CAPSULE

In 2014, Lockheed's Orion capsule flew further than any other spacecraft designed for humans since 1972 when it hit an altitude of 3,600 miles. It is scheduled to fly around the moon in 2018 in an unmanned mission that would last three weeks.

Planned missions

3

1

2

4

2016

’18

’20

’22

’24

’26