New NASA rocket for mission to Mars

NASA has unveiled the next generation space rocket it hopes will take humans on their first missions to Mars.

By InvestSMART · 16 Sep 2011

By InvestSMART ·
16 Sep 2011

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NASA has unveiled the next generation space rocket it hopes will take humans on their first missions to Mars.

The long-awaited space launch system will be "the most powerful rocket in history", according to Florida senator Bill Nelson, a former space shuttle astronaut.

But although NASA plans to launch unmanned test flights by 2017, it has laid out no timetable for its stated goals of landing on an asteroid, reaching Mars, or sending astronauts into deep space for the first time since the Apollo era of the late 1970s.

The announcement, by members of the US Senate's Commerce, Science and Transportation committee, returns NASA to the business of human spaceflight following the retirement of the space shuttle fleet in July.

"This allows NASA to get out beyond lower earth orbit and start to explore the heavens, which is the job NASA has always been tasked to do," Mr Nelson said.

"In the bosom of America there is a yearning for us to explore."

Funding for the project, which blends existing Apollo and space shuttle technology with development of a new crew transportation system, must be approved in Congress, where it faces a bumpy ride.

Mr Nelson and his fellow advocates did not deliver a long-term estimate, but it could reach $US62.5 billion ($A61 billion) by 2025, according to experts who studied leaked NASA budget documents.

But he said that the government's financial commitment over the next five to six years would be about $US18 billion.

NASA hopes the project will now allow it to rehire many of the thousands of workers laid off at the end of the 30-year space shuttle program.

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Frequently Asked Questions about this Article…

What new NASA rocket did the article describe and what is its purpose?

The article describes NASA’s next‑generation space launch system — a new, very powerful rocket designed to take humans beyond low Earth orbit with the long‑term goal of sending people to Mars and other deep‑space destinations.

When does NASA plan to fly the first unmanned test flights of the new rocket?

NASA plans to launch unmanned test flights by 2017, according to the article, as part of the development process before any crewed missions are attempted.

Is there a firm timetable for NASA’s stated goals of landing on an asteroid or reaching Mars?

No. The article notes that although NASA has stated goals like landing on an asteroid and reaching Mars, it has not laid out a firm timetable for those missions.

How will the new rocket program be funded and what are the budget estimates investors should know?

Funding must be approved by the US Congress and faces a potentially bumpy approval process. Experts who reviewed leaked NASA budget documents estimate the program could cost about US$62.5 billion by 2025, while the government’s financial commitment over the next five to six years is estimated at roughly US$18 billion.

What technologies will NASA use in the new rocket project?

The project blends existing Apollo and space shuttle technology with development of a new crew transportation system, combining proven hardware with new systems for deep‑space missions.

What did Florida senator Bill Nelson say about the new rocket?

Florida senator Bill Nelson, a former space shuttle astronaut, called the new vehicle “the most powerful rocket in history” and said it will help NASA get beyond low Earth orbit to explore deep space.

What does the rocket announcement mean for workers and jobs related to NASA?

NASA hopes the program will allow it to rehire many of the thousands of workers who were laid off when the 30‑year space shuttle program ended, providing potential job recovery in the sector.

What should everyday investors watch regarding NASA’s Mars rocket program?

Everyday investors should watch Congressional funding decisions, official NASA timelines, and published budget updates. Because the program’s scope and cost depend on government approval and multi‑year funding, those factors will determine contractor activity and the program’s pace.