NEW YORK: The Space Launch System, or SLS, has reached its critical design review phase. That means project leaders are gathering at Marshall Space Flight Center to go over all parts of the project.
“It’s one of the times we come together as a complete team to go over the complete clean sheet of the vehicle to make sure everything is exactly where it needs to be,” said Patrick Scheuermann, Director of NASA Marshall Space Flight Center.
It’s a big task. But that’s because it’s a big step for the SLS. This, assuming things go well, would move the program from the drawing board stage to actually cutting parts and manufacturing.
“This is the first time NASA has reached this milestone for an exploration-class vehicle since 1977,” said Scheuermann when asked how monumental this moment is.
Even more historic, though, what will happen next– getting to deep-space with the SLS. Marshall Space Flight Center leaders say the deadline for flight is fast approaching. It’s in two and a half years. Passing critical design review will be important for keeping that on track.
While it’s taken a lot of work to get to this point, it will take more, day by day, to move ahead.
“I couldn’t be any more proud of what the workforce of our MSFC and our partners have done to get us to this point,” said Scheuermann. “We have some big shoes to fill with the Apollo program and the shuttle program. This is our time.”
