Space Launch System (SLS)
The World's Most Powerful Rocket
The Space Launch System (SLS) is a super heavy-lift launch vehicle developed by NASA — the most powerful rocket in history by thrust at launch. SLS Block 1 (used for Artemis I and II) generates approximately 8.8 million pounds (39.1 MN) of thrust at liftoff — surpassing the Saturn V (7.5 million pounds of thrust) used in the Apollo missions. The SLS uses four RS-25 engines (heritage from the Space Shuttle) in its core stage plus two solid rocket boosters (SRBs). It can lift approximately 95 metric tonnes to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) in Block 1 configuration.
- Thrust at liftoff: ~8.8 million pounds (39.1 MN) — more than the Saturn V
- Core stage propellant: liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen (cryogenic)
- Height with Orion: ~98 metres (322 feet) — taller than the Statue of Liberty
- RS-25 engines: originally Space Shuttle Main Engines (SSMEs), refurbished and recertified
- Cost: over $4 billion per launch (SLS Block 1); among the most expensive launch vehicles in history
● Tracked since March 19, 2026 · last seen April 11, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
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