Talk:Space Launch System

Launch Vehicle Stage Adapter for block 1
Article does not seem to mention the Launch Vehicle Stage Adapter for block 1. Seems Teledyne Brown Engineering are building it/them "The LVSA provides the physical interface between the SLS Core Stage and the Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (ICPS). It also serves as the critical separation system used to separate the Core Stage of the rocket from ICPS. The cone-shaped adapter is roughly thirty feet in diameter by thirty feet tall and consists of sixteen Aluminum-Lithium 2195 alloy panels." Looks like First one cost $60 M, next two were $85 M for the pair. - Rod57 (talk) 22:34, 25 August 2022 (UTC)
 * Added a brief subsection (based on above) after Upper stage subsection. - Rod57 (talk) 23:22, 1 April 2023 (UTC)

Interstage for Block 1B - to support EUS.
What is mass of the long Interstage ? Who is building them ? Is it part of EUS development/contract or a separate contract ? - Rod57 (talk) 11:58, 30 June 2024 (UTC)

Number of stages
Isn't it supposed to have 2.5 stages, like the space shuttle? I think the boosters should count as half a stage. Cocobb8 (talk) 12:48, 2 May 2023 (UTC)

Still in development?
Is the SLS still in development? One mission has already launched, so isn't the launch system considered as "active" now? Cocobb8 (talk) 18:31, 3 May 2023 (UTC)


 * I changed it anyways Cocobb8 (talk) 18:58, 19 May 2023 (UTC)


 * We should have a NASA source for status change from development/test to operational. - Rod57 (talk) 11:59, 30 June 2024 (UTC)

Incorrect empty mass of core stage...
The Artemis 1 reference guide says the following on page 22:

Weight 2.4 million lb (1,088 t) fueled without engines and 188,000 lb (85.3 t) unfueled without engines

It also says the engines are considered to be 3.5 tons each.

At the least, if you go with the 3177 kg mass from the RS-25 article, that would put the empty mass at 95.0 tons. If you go with the 3.5 ton figure - which might include other structure required to install the engine - that would bump it up to 95.8 tons.

I would also argue that the mass of the launch vehicle stage adapter (another 4.5 tons) should be added to that mass. 73.140.138.202 (talk) 21:22, 27 September 2023 (UTC)


 * On that last point, LVSA is not part of the core stage (it is specific to the Block 1 cfg). Block 1b has Interstage instead. - Rod57 (talk) 19:36, 30 June 2024 (UTC)