NASA Space Launch System (SLS) heavy rocket won't be ready for June 2020 launch

[gary]

Originally planned to be launched in 2016, NASA reported to Congress on Wednesday that its new heavy lift rocket, the Space Launch System (SLS), won't be ready for its rescheduled June 2020 launch.

It is likely that reliance will have to put upon SpaceX's Falcon Heavy to initially test fly an Orion capsule.

Story here :-
https://phys.org/news/2019-03-nasa-chief-acknowledges-sls-rocket.html

[multiweb]

I hope they don't pressure NASA. Space is a dangerous business and you can't compromise on safety. If it's not ready it's not ready.

[glend]

Hmm, and SpaceX is planning on first test flights of its Starship and Raptor engine as early as next week. They are short Hop flights to test control systems and engines in flight. Static firings have already been completed (using first version Raptors). Orbital configuration would use three Raptor version 2) engines. With NASA plans to outsource launch work, why do they persist burning cash on the SLS program? Other than a Space Force military prerogative. I understand SLS has a stated lift capacity of 130 tonnes, whereas Starship/Raptor engine configurations are specs at 200 tonnes. Details here:

https://www.fromspacewithlove.com/spacex-starship-super-heavy/

[multiweb]

NASA long term is to orbit more hardware (like a small ISS) half way down the moon and the moon itself with the orion program. Sure SpaceX and local private contractor can fill in the void to shuttle stuff up and down the ISS meanwhile but I don't think it's NASA's priority. They're looking for the long haul, reliably pushing people, bits and pieces up heavier and further than before.

[cannon_gray]

As for me, SLS is so failed project which is required another decade to be implemented but no one will refuse it cause it means to announce that lots of money were spent uselessly.

[cannon_gray]

Well, here is the proof that SLS won't be ready even by 2030
https://www.ibtimes.sg/amid-uncertain-future-nasas-sls-rocket-fails-first-real-test-after-decade-development-54980

[glend]

Blame the US Congress, (particularly the Senate), members want NASA jobs in their districts, in exchange for voting for appropriation bills (funding for NASA). Hence, NASA is spread all over the place, and integration is a nightmare. No one cares about waste and over-runs, as long as they get re-elected.

[Startrek]

I said to a friend about 3 years ago that SLS is an unaffordable project , a burden to the US tax paying public and surely will be slowly phased out, he totally agreed with me
Private space companies are the way of the future supported by governments both local and international.
Space X is rapidly expanding at an unbelievable rate , no other space company can get near them at the moment.
Some people laugh at Elon’s ambition to set foot on Mars within the next decade or so.
Most people thought Kennedy was crazy in 1961 to land a man on the moon within the decade but NASA and the American people proved he wasn’t.
I was fortunate to witness project Apollo as a kid and teenager and now 50+ years on to be living in this next phase of human space exploration is so incredibly exciting.

[forrestwhite]

NASA at least could unite with SpaceX in their effort to launch that bucket of nails