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What do they actually plan to do with the SLS? I only hear that it's really needed but they are pretty vague about what for.
by maxxxxx 8y ago
What do they actually plan to do with the SLS? I only hear that it's really needed but they are pretty vague about what for.
- stetrain 8y agoCurrently the main plan is the lunar gateway station: https://www.nasa.gov/feature/nasa-s-lunar-outpost-will-extend-human-presence-in-deep-space https://www.nasa.gov/feature/nasa-s-lunar-outpost-will-exten... The Europa Clipper mission is also currently scheduled to launch on SLS: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_Launch_System#Missions https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_Launch_System#Missions
- garmaine 8y agoIt is really needed to ensure that NASA still exists as a funded agency.
- craftyguy 8y agoTechnically, it is not needed to ensure that NASA is funded. Congress and the current administration think it is needed, because they're stuck in the 1960s and think the space race is still a thing (meanwhile ignoring/underfunding crucial planetary and Earth climate sciences that NASA also performs).
- garmaine 8y agoIt was sarcasm. The jobs in key congressional districts would disappear if NASA was allowed to do what makes sense for an effective space exploration program. So congress has taken over mandating what NASA's goals should be, to make sure that their key constituents remain employed on government contracts.