SLS marks first year

NASA's Space Launch System, designed to bring astronauts further into space than ever before, has marked its first year of progress. The heavy-lift program was announced Sept. 14, 2011. It borrowed pieces from the canceled Constellation program and other proven NASA systems. Along the Gulf Coast, both Stennis Space Center, Miss., and Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans are involved. SSC has run a series of tests on the J-2X that will power the upper stage, and will also test the RS-25s that will power the first stage. Michoud has been building Orion crew vehicles, and will also build the core stage. (Source: NASA/MSFC, 09/12/12)