NASA approves $7 billion rocket that might be going to the moon or on Mars in few years. NASA has also announced that after the construction of the $7 billion rocket, they plan on making possible to send humans to Mars.
NASA approves $7 billion rocket that will have its first flight in four years and some are angry about it.
In a press release that was issued by NASA, it has been revealed that they have gotten the green light to begin the construction of the SLS rocket system.
The SLS, which was approved in February will cost a total of $7.021 billion and will be completed in 2018.
The first test flight on the world’s most powerful rocket (a title that previously belonged to Saturn 5) is scheduled take place before November of 2018.
The first test flight with crew members will be in the year 2021 for space exploration missions. The very expensive Space Launch System is expected to take astronauts to the moon and eventually to Mars.
The government will be paying $2.8 billion to Boeing to build the SLS rocket, which will be powered by four left-over space shuttle main engines and two upgraded shuttle-heritage solid-fuel boosters.
According to NASA, the mega rocket will have the capacity to lift payloads weighing over 70 metric tons.
NASA Associate Administrator Robert Lightfoot, said that the reason behind the construction of the most powerful launcher on earth is to keep America the leader in the domain. The scientist added:
“Our nation is embarked on an ambitious space exploration program, and we owe it to the American taxpayers to get it right.”
Lightfoot went on to explain that the super rocket is just a stepping stool to eventually get humans to Mars in the very near future. He said:
“After rigorous review, we’re committing today to a funding level and readiness date that will keep us on track to sending humans to Mars in the 2030s – and we’re going to stand behind that commitment.”
Despite the explanation and the detailed plans, some are blasting the Obama administration for signing a $7.021 billion check to NASA for a rocket that will fly once a year.
Some say, why not use that money to fix roads, bridges and schools right here in America?
