Report: NASA’s New Rocket Probably Delayed

NASA probably won’t be able to launch the new rocket named Space Launch System according to the planned timelines. Several parts are behind schedule and there is probably not enough money, putting the first launch in 2018 at risk.

That’s according to a report prepared by a committee that oversees the activities of the space agency, The Verge reports. The critical report cites a number of issues that could jeopardize NASA’s plans for the SLS. A first unmanned flight with the new rocket is due to take place next year, but delays and lack of funds mean that the launch will probably have to be postponed. For example, the development of the necessary software has fallen behind schedule.

The SLS is to launch the new Orion capsule into space. This capsule can transport people, but the intention is that an unmanned flight will be carried out next year, after which astronauts will be launched into space in 2021. However, NASA is toying with the idea of ​​scrapping the unmanned flight and going straight for a manned flight. Research is still being conducted into when such a scenario could take place.

The report of the monitoring committee also points to the lack of plans after the initial launch of the SLS. The plan is to put people on Mars after 2030, but NASA has developed few specific plans for this. Although the space agency has said it is working on modules and vehicles that astronauts can use for their stay on Mars, details on this are still lacking.

NASA has been developing the SLS and the Orion for years. The intention is that the Americans will be able to send people into space again, since that will no longer be possible after the SpaceShuttle program has been discontinued. As a result, the Americans are now dependent on the Russian Soyuz capsule to bring people to the International Space Station.