Know about the most powerful NASA rocket SLS, which can lift 130 tonnes into orbit

New Delhi: US space agency NASA has revealed stunning new pictures of its SLS (Space Launch System) on Wednesday. This SLS will eventually be capable of lifting 130 tonnes into orbit.It is set to become the largest rocket ever built. It is on track for its first test flight in 2017The rocket is designed to carry astronauts farther into the solar system than ever before. It is even hoped the craft could play a role in manned missions to Mars, being able to launch ‘stepping stone' bases into orbit.It will provide an entirely new capability for human exploration beyond Earth orbit. Currently under construction, NASA's Space Launch System will be the world's most powerful launch vehicle.The SLS system is larger than the Saturn rockets than launched man to the moon in its final configuration‘The potential use of SLS for science will further enhance the synergy between scientific exploration and human exploration.The SLS will carry crew, cargo and science missions to deep space. There will be two versions of the rocket.The first SLS mission Exploration Mission 1in 2017 will launch an uncrewed Orion spacecraft to demonstrate the integrated system performance of the SLS rocket and spacecraft prior to a crewed flight.The second SLS mission, Exploration Mission 2, is targeted for 2021 and will launch Orion and a crew of up to four American astronauts.The SLS will use proven hardware and cutting-edge tooling and manufacturing technology from the Space Shuttle and other exploration programs. This will significantly reduce development and operations costs. It will use a liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen propulsion system, which will include the RS-25 engine from the Space Shuttle Program for the core stage and the J-2X engine for the upper stage. The SLS also will use solid rocket boosters for the initial development flights, while industry will compete to design advanced boosters based on performance requirements and affordability considerations.