NASA is creating a new launch vehicle for deep space exploration, but they couldn’t do it without support from small businesses all around the country.
The nation’s new rocket is Space Launch System (SLS), and it launches for the first time next year. On this first mission known as Exploration Mission-1 (EM-1), SLS will send the nation’s new spacecraft that will take astronauts to deep space destinations, Orion, on a journey beyond the moon. Humans won’t be onboard for this first integrated mission of Orion and SLS, but the following flight will carry humans deep into space and return them safely to the Earth.
Towering 322 feet tall on its very first flight, SLS will produce 8.8 million pounds of thrust upon liftoff! One of the essential parts in building the rocket are the small businesses that are spread all over the country. From 43 states, over 800 small businesses provide critical support to the program.
SLS won’t just take Orion into deep space, but will provide the power necessary for other exploration systems to leave Earth. It will open up a new era of missions into deep space including those for crew, cargo, and robotic missions to places like Mars, Saturn and Jupiter.
The rocket’s evolving capabilities will allow it to support increasingly complex missions. Take a look –
One of the prime contractors for SLS is Aerojet Rocketdyne, a founding member of the Coalition. The company is partnered with more than 20 small business suppliers and is supplying the four RS-25 engines for the rocket’s core stage. Together, they will generate more than 2 million pounds of thrust.
3-Dimensional Services Group is one of the small businesses supporting Aerojet Rocketdyne. Since 2012, they have supported the SLS program. With 320 employees, 3-Dimensional Services has worked with Aerojet Rocketdyne to improve the manufacturing of components used in the engine.
Without sacrificing cost savings, 3-Dimensional Services has reduced how long it takes to provide the components. By using special tooling that is resistant to chemicals used in manufacturing, the company protects or insulates areas on the engine. They have been encouraged to be innovative through the vision provided by the SLS program.
Another small business that has supported Aerojet Rocketdyne with as many as 44 employees is Hales Engineering Company (HEC). Based in California, this small disadvantaged business has supported the SLS program through Aerojet Rocketdyne since the inception of the program.
HEC received NASA’s Small Business Contractor Excellence Award FY 2014 for the support they provide to Aerojet Rocketdyne. They have worked with Aerojet Rocketdyne to support test fixtures and tooling for the RS-25 Engine Program and the RS-25 Restart Program.
Supporting SLS since 2011, ICO RALLY provides supply-chain management and inspection services for the core stage engines. This woman-owned small business is part of a historically underutilized business area.
The company earned the Small Business Subcontractor Excellence Award from NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center for FY 2015. As a result of their involvement with SLS, ICO RALLY has received interest from additional government prime contractors to learn how the company can support requirements for their programs.
These few companies form only a small part of the gamut of small businesses that provide tremendous value to the SLS program. With their help, NASA’s new giant rocket will enable ambitious deep space exploration missions on the Journey to Mars.
Learn more about the rocket at NASA.gov.