SLS NASA 18 Billion for first two launches

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In summary, the conversation discusses the cost and feasibility of the SLS (Senate Launch System) versus using existing providers like Space-X for space launches. The estimated cost for the SLS is $18 billion for the first two launches, but long-term projections show it could cost $500 million per launch. However, the SLS is designed to carry larger payloads that current systems cannot, making it a valuable asset for NASA. The conversation also mentions budget analysis and criticism of the SLS as a potential "pork project" for Congress.
  • #1
edpell
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Is 18 billion dollars for the first two launches of the SLS a good buy? It seems NASA could buy the same weight to orbit today from Space-X for about 0.6 billion dollars. Why not just use the existing provider?
 
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  • #2
First, do you have a source for your claims?

Second, you are aware that this is a project still in development, right? It isn't going to be just two launches at $9 billion apiece. It is projected at $500 million per launch, long term.

Third, even if your math is right Space-X (nor any other system) can't take cargo as large as SLS. That's the point of developing it.
 
  • #3
I agree on the third point. But I am sure NASA is clever and can screw together two sub structures on orbit.
 
  • #4
On the cost see the NASA report http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/510449main_SLS_MPCV_90-day_Report.pdf
from page 7 "The FY 2011 Senate Appropriations Report would fund the SLS at $1.9B in FY 2011, and with a
proposed cost cap of $11.5B through FY 2017. Within 60 days of enactment of the appropriations bill,
NASA is directed to submit a report that includes, among other things, an evaluation of this proposed cost cap."
 
  • #5
More budget analysis from http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1979/1 by John K. Strickland, Jr. retired from his job as a senior analyst for the Texas Department of Transportation in Austin, Texas "Based on current development cost estimates for the SLS (including Orion) of $29–38 billion, even the (expendable) Falcon Heavy could launch between 300 and 400 payloads of 53 tons each for the same amount of money, starting in about two years."
 
  • #6
http://nasawatch.com/archives/cev-calv-lsam-eds/
Is NASA Building A Rocket They Can't Afford to Fly?
By Keith Cowing on May 24, 2013 12:47 PM
"The first SLS launch is expected in 2017, the second in 2021, and then once every two years thereafter."
 
  • #7
FYI, SLS means Senate Launch System. It is yet another pork project foisted on NASA by Congress.
 

1. How much is NASA spending on the first two launches of SLS?

As of 2021, NASA's estimated budget for the first two launches of the Space Launch System (SLS) is approximately $18 billion. This includes the development, testing, and launch of the rocket as well as the Orion spacecraft.

2. What is the purpose of SLS?

SLS is NASA's next-generation heavy-lift rocket designed to carry astronauts and cargo to the Moon, Mars, and other deep space destinations. It will also be used to launch components of the Lunar Gateway, a small space station in orbit around the Moon.

3. How many launches are planned for SLS?

As of now, there are three planned launches of SLS: Artemis I, II, and III. Artemis I is an uncrewed test flight that will launch the Orion spacecraft around the Moon and back to Earth. Artemis II will be the first crewed flight, and Artemis III will carry astronauts to the lunar surface.

4. How does SLS compare to other rockets?

SLS is the most powerful rocket ever built by NASA, with a maximum payload capacity of over 130 metric tons. It is even more powerful than the Saturn V rocket used for the Apollo missions. In comparison, SpaceX's Falcon Heavy has a maximum payload capacity of 64 metric tons.

5. When will the first launch of SLS take place?

The first launch of SLS, Artemis I, is currently scheduled for November 2021. However, this date has been delayed multiple times and is subject to change. The second launch, Artemis II, is expected to take place in 2023.

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