The NASA SLS Upper Stage Development and Mission Opportunities

Abstract

The NASA Space Launch System (SLS) will provide a game-changing capability for the exploration of other worlds. The Initial Block 1 configuration is scheduled for launch in 2020; by 2024 the SLS will evolve into the more powerful Block IB configuration that will use the new Exploration Upper Stage (EUS). The EUS optimizes the SLS Core and Booster Stages and will take the SLS to a significantly higher performance level, launching heavier payloads, in larger diameter fairings on higher energy, faster transfers to a variety of destinations.