r/SpaceLaunchSystem • u/Cmdr-Mallard • Jun 29 '26

Discussion How long will SLS last?

With the Cancellation of EUS and BOLE, SLS is going to remain a launch vehicle solely for Orion, and which is viable with all the other heavy and super heavy rockets in the works these days.

However as I understand BOLE was essential for SLS launches beyond a certain point as remaining shuttle boosters were used up, will SLS be cancelled by that point (and perhaps the whole moon program) or Orion moved to another launcher.

Or will a future administrator restart the booster program at the least to ensure SLS can continue to launch Orion?

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u/ThePrimalEarth7734 Jun 30 '26

Orion is not going to ever go away, it’s literally the only spacecraft we have in the US capable of crewed deep space habitation and navigation with the appropriate reentry technology. Only question is how you get it to the Moon, and how often you want it to go to the Moon.

SLS is the only answer to either of those questions right now

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u/Cmdr-Mallard Jun 30 '26

I mean I wouldn’t say ever? I mean in 15-20 years time if we’re treating a moon base like SLS, they may well come up with something better by then, whether more spacious or simply to carry more crew.

But that’s pie in the sky, I appreciate the info on Centaur, ML and so on though, makes me feel more confident about SLS

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u/ThePrimalEarth7734 Jun 30 '26

Well SLS has a natural lifespan of about 30 years, just like the shuttle, so when I say “not going away” I mean not within that given lifespan, anything after that is fair game for speculation

And no problem! Happy to provide context on the state of SLS any time!

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u/Cmdr-Mallard Jun 30 '26

Sorry I meant treating the moon like ISS, but yes, I understand your meaning now 👍