It was 2012 when NASA successfully landed the Curiosity Rover in Mars. Still people from all over the world are gushing about the outstanding feat. However, it seems like space enthusiasts have a lot to look forward to as recently NASA announced their lofty plans of sending the first human beings on the Red Planet.
Pictures and drawings of the rocket that would be used in in order to map out the Red Planet were recently released by NASA. The rocket, which is named as Space Launch System (SLS) I, is said to be far more different than the one used in conquering the moon decades ago. SLS is going to be more technologically advanced and quite larger than any rockets ever created. According to the space agency itself, the SLS is expected to be the most powerful rocket in history.
As of the moment the agency is already knee deep in working on the simulation core stage of the rocket. Lead engineer for the core Shane Carpenter has since shed light on the intricacies of the project he is currently working on.
"This hardware is an excellent proving ground for the core stage - from manufacturing and assembly to the launch site, we don't want the first time we transport the core stage to be with flight hardware. That's why having a pathfinder is critical to the program" explained Carpenter.
The Space Launch System I is expected to launch in 2018. Once the SLS has been built, it would be the tallest rocket ever on the planet. According to reports, it would be even longer than the Statue of Liberty clocking in at 322 ft. There is still much research an preparation NASA has to accomplish before endeavouring in the massive feat. Perhaps the most important decision the agency has to make is picking the very first human to set foot on Mars.
