NASA's SLS Launch: A New Era or an Obsolete Venture?
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Chapter 1: The Launch of NASA's SLS
NASA's SLS finally lifted off at 1:47 am EST on November 16, 2022, after enduring multiple delays and aborted attempts. This colossal rocket is designed to take humanity back to the moon, explore Mars, and unravel some of the solar system's greatest enigmas. However, the question arises: can SLS stand up to SpaceX’s Mars-bound, fully reusable Starship? Or has this $21 billion endeavor become a misstep for NASA? The answer may come as a surprise.
Let's analyze these remarkable rockets in detail.
The SLS is a one-time use rocket derived from Space Shuttle technology, which explains its iconic orange hue. Towering at 321 feet, it is fueled by liquid hydrogen and equipped with solid rocket boosters. In its Block 1 configuration—the setup used for its recent launch—SLS can transport 95 tons to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and 42 tons to Mars. The untested Block 2 version could potentially carry 130 tons to LEO and 46 tons to Mars. For comparison, NASA’s Space Shuttle had a capacity of 24.4 tons to LEO, while the Saturn V rocket, utilized in Apollo missions, set a record with 140 tons to LEO. Thus, SLS ranks among the most powerful launch vehicles ever constructed. However, the cost is steep, with each launch exceeding $2 billion!
Section 1.1: SpaceX's Starship
SpaceX's Starship has yet to complete an orbital flight, but one is anticipated soon, with commercial operations slated for 2024. The technology incorporated into Starship makes SLS seem antiquated. Starship is the first rocket designed for full reusability, allowing both stages to land using retrorockets and be reused. Although this capability means it carries a reduced payload compared to traditional rockets, Starship compensates by utilizing liquid methane, which is more efficient than hydrogen. This also allows for the potential of carbon-neutral fuel, although SpaceX has not yet adopted this process. Nonetheless, it is important to note that Starship's operations could still result in significant carbon emissions in the upper atmosphere, causing environmental concerns.
Subsection 1.1.1: Comparison of Rocket Capacities
Standing at an impressive 394 feet, Starship surpasses any other rocket in height. Despite its reduced payload capacity, it still outshines SLS, boasting the ability to transport 150 tons to LEO and 100 tons to Mars. The substantial cost savings from not needing to build a new rocket for each launch contribute to Starship's design, with projected costs at only $10 million per launch. This translates to a mere $66 per kilogram to LEO, in stark contrast to SLS's $15,000 per kilogram. In essence, Starship is 99.56% more economical than SLS.
Section 1.2: The Future of NASA's Missions
So does this indicate that SLS is a misguided venture? The answer is nuanced. Starship is indeed in a different category than SLS, and NASA is keen to utilize it. However, as a government agency, NASA must consider factors beyond mere costs. It needs to justify its budget to Congress, which primarily focuses on economic growth and job creation rather than scientific exploration.
NASA’s argument for SLS is compelling: the project supports contractors in every state, with a significant portion of its $93 billion budget allocated to these workers. In contrast, SpaceX operates primarily in-house with fewer employees, resulting in lower economic impact. Consequently, SLS contributes more to the U.S. economy, creating jobs and securing congressional support for funding.
Given these considerations, NASA's continued use of SLS seems likely as it seeks to maintain congressional backing. Nonetheless, it is expected that NASA will also leverage Starship whenever feasible, given its remarkable cost efficiency.
Chapter 2: The Road Ahead for Space Exploration
NASA's current trajectory illustrates that there are multifaceted aspects of expanding space exploration beyond just cost reduction. While SLS is fully equipped to support Artemis missions and beyond, the success of its recent launch heralds a new chapter in space exploration. Personally, I'm excited for what lies ahead!
This first video discusses the challenges faced by NASA's SLS and whether it has become obsolete in light of emerging technologies like SpaceX's Starship.
In the second video, the focus is on the outdated nature of the SLS and the reasons behind its continued existence in the current space race.