SLS core---Boeing

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Boeing Successfully Completes Key Reviews of Space Launch System

Cryogenic stages validated by System Requirements Review, System Definition Review
Heavy-lift rocket program moves into design phase
HUNTSVILLE, Ala., June 21, 2012 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] last week successfully completed its first major technical reviews for the cryogenic stages of the Space Launch System (SLS), bringing the team into the design phase for the nation's next heavy-lift, human-rated rocket.

The combined System Requirements Review (SRR) and System Definition Review (SDR), held at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville with independent consultants from previous successful programs, validated that Boeing and NASA have developed solid system requirements for the cryogenic stages and supporting hardware. A cryogenic rocket engine uses liquefied gas stored at very low temperatures for optimal rocket efficiency.

While SRR is a contractual requirement, Boeing simultaneously pursued the SDR to enable a higher quality of requirements as the team enters the design phase. The reviews, completed well ahead of the scheduled August time frame for SRR, enabled a more aggressive path to core stage delivery to NASA, and validated the stage's design concept and production approaches.

NASA's plan uses existing elements for the boosters, crew capsule, and engines, but the cryogenic stages are new elements that require significantly more design and development. That makes successful, timely reviews essential to the progress of the entire SLS program.

"The Boeing and NASA team is demonstrating the value of our integrated approach to developing requirements," said Jim Chilton, vice president and program manager for Boeing Exploration Launch Systems.

"SRR locks in requirements and serves as the basis for our estimates and performance metrics," said Chuck Hanes, Boeing SLS business manager. "The understanding we reach at SRR and SDR is a firm commitment to the rocket's requirements, design and resources."

Boeing is designing, developing and producing part of SLS, the United States' next-generation, human-rated rocket to transport people to deep space, enabling the next step in space exploration. Boeing is responsible for the SLS cryogenic stages and avionics. Design work for the cryogenic stages is performed in Huntsville, with production at NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans.

Visit www.beyondearth.com for more information about the future of human space exploration.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $32 billion business with 61,000 employees worldwide. 

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Contact:

Patricia Soloveichik
Space Exploration
Office: 256-461-2803
Mobile: 256-476-6046
patricia.a.soloveichik@boeing.com

Paula Korn
Space Exploration
Office: 281-226-4114
Mobile: 281-658-0337
paula.korn@boeing.com


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Fri, 22 June, 2012
Boeing Cleared To Begin Design Phase for SLS Core

By Brian Berger


The Space Launch System, or SLS. Credit: NASA artist's concept Enlarge Image

WASHINGTON — NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Ala., said June 21 that the Space Launch System’s (SLS) cryogenic core stage recently passed its first major technical review, clearing prime contractor Boeing Space Exploration to begin the heavy-lift rocket’s design phase.

The combined Systems Requirements Review and System Definition Review held the week of June 18 at Marshall validated that Boeing and NASA developed sound system requirements for the shuttle-derived launcher’s cryogenic stage and supporting hardware.

“Now that we have completed this review, we go from requirements to real blueprints,” Tony Lavoie, manager of the SLS Stages Element at Marshall, said in a statement. “We are on the right track to deliver the core stages for the SLS program.”

The SLS core stage, an 8.4-meter-diameter structure that will stand more than 60 meters tall, will store liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen to feed its four Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne RS-25 engines. NASA intends to use RS-25s left over from the space shuttle program for the first few SLS flights. NASA has 16 RS-25 space shuttle main engines in inventory to use for SLS, the agency said.

SLS is slated to make its debut in 2017 on a test flight launching an unmanned Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle on a trajectory around the Moon. The rocket’s first crewed flight is scheduled for 2021. 



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