Key capabilities for the Journey to Mars are being developed by members of the Coalition for Deep Space Exploration.
Boeing is the prime contractor for the core stage and avionics of NASA’s new rocket, Space Launch System (SLS).
Lockheed Martin is the prime contractor for NASA’s new human spacecraft, Orion.
Orbital ATK is producing the five-segment solid rocket boosters for SLS.
Aerojet Rocketdyne provides the liquid engines for SLS.
At last month’s Humans to Mars Summit, these members were represented by executives of each of their companies. Each are working toward the journey that will take humanity farther into the solar system than we have ever gone before.
During the summit, industry executives were on a panel that addressed several of the relevant topics for the Journey to Mars. These included accomplishments to date, key upcoming events, and members’ contributions to Mars robotic missions. In numerous missions that included the Viking lander, the Curiosity rover, and the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO), members of the Coalition were the prime contractor, providing spacecraft components and launch services for the mission. Additionally, Coalition members have decades of experience designing robotic missions to Mars.
Among the other topics mentioned were habitation, power and propulsion, the Mars Ascent Vehicle, and lander and surface systems for the journey.
Panelists spoke about the many milestones that we are working toward now.
The Space Launch System rocket has completed its Critical Design Review, with parts in assembly and testing now. Check out previous updates for SLS here.
The panel also spoke about the importance of maintaining the focus and momentum towards Mars that has been gained–continuing it over a relatively long period of time makes a big difference.
With continuous progress being made toward important components of NASA’s Journey to Mars, members of the Coalition are helping to enable the exciting future of exploration.
On June 28th, NASA will fire up a test version of the rocket’s booster! Learn more about the test here.
Dive a little deeper into the rocket that will dive into deep space here.
For the latest on Orion, visit NASA.gov.