nasa

Nasa has successfully completed the critical design review (CDR) of its space launch system (SLS) programme for deep space missions.

After 1970, this was Nasa’s first CDR on a major new launch vehicle, which included a successful qualification ground test of the SLS booster, completion of the first RS-25 engine test-firing series, and flight hardware production of the major elements that make up the rocket’s core stage.

Further, Orion’s launch abort system also passed its test stage.

Orbital ATK’s propulsion systems division vice-president and general manager Charlie Precourt said: "The successes and milestones we are seeing are incredibly important steps in the development of Nasa’s heavy-lift, deep space exploration vehicle.

"This rocket is the foundation of a very promising future for human spaceflight, and will take humans farther than we’ve ever gone before."

Nasa experts hope to launch the recently tested space launch system for its EM-1 launch scheduled in 2018, as it met all requirements and is cost-effective.

"This rocket is the foundation of a very promising future for human spaceflight, and will take humans farther than we’ve ever gone before."

For Nasa’s crewed exploration missions that are expected to travel beyond the moon and into deep space, Orion spacecraft and four other firms are building the SLS.

Boeing is designing, developing, producing and testing the rocket’s core and upper-stage, as well as the avionics.

Orbital ATK is involved in providing solid rocket boosters that supply more than 75% of the required thrust during the first two minutes of flight and Aerojet Rocketdyne is providing RS-25 and RL-10 engines for the core and upper-stage that carry SLS and Orion into orbit and on to deep space, on the first flight of SLS.

Additionally, Lockheed Martin is designing and building the Orion spacecraft, which will fly on top of SLS.

Aerojet Rocketdyne advanced space and launch vice-president Julie Van Kleeck said: "We are increasing the cadence of the RS-25 tests to verify each engine’s performance prior to their first flight in 2018.

"The milestone progress we are making today is setting the stage for many unforeseen discoveries in the future."

Image: Nasa’s SLS rocket on its way to the launch pad. Photo: courtesy of Nasa.