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NASA's Space Launch System completes technical review

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The core stage of NASA’s Space Launch System has completed a major technical review by meeting system requirements while falling within schedule and budget limits.

According to NASA, the new heavy-lift rocket will be the largest launch vehicle ever built.

The 70-metric-ton (77-ton) configuration will lift more than 154,000 pounds and will provide 10 per cent more thrust than the Saturn V rocket; while the 130-metric-ton (143-ton) configuration will lift more than 286,000 pounds and provide 20 per cent more thrust than the Saturn V.

The first SLS mission scheduled for 2017 will launch an uncrewed Orion spacecraft to demonstrate the integrated system performance of the SLS rocket and spacecraft prior to a crewed flight.