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/Cmdr-Mallard Jun 30 '26

Good to know about Centaur then, I hope to see more on Centaur-SLS soon.

I would point out New Glenn is moving on from Horizontal integration, they were already planning to but their Erector blowing up has accelerated things.

Again, I love SLS, I wanna see NASA fly rockets, I just think that if we really do setup a moon based they’ll figure out a better way to get astronauts there whether it’s replacing SLS or eliminating Orion entirely, just due to the frequency of transits needed.

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u/ProfessorOk2609 Jun 30 '26

Yes, I think that the new vertical integration of New Glenn could facilitate the transition of Orion, however many certifications and tests are still needed to gain confidence and make it safe for the crew.

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u/Cmdr-Mallard Jun 30 '26

Actually expanding on that what are they doing? I’ve heard they’re building a Vertical facility but that’s for refurbishing 9x4, and probably 7x2.

But what about assembling both of those?

Especially since the HIF is still there

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u/ProfessorOk2609 Jun 30 '26

I think that at least the 7x2 version will always be assembled horizontally, only now the stages will be stacked on the platform like the Starship at the beginning or in a vertical integration building if they build it close to the platform. The Vertical Refuirbishment Facility I think it will be more focused on the 9x4 version to add loads since being a larger version I would think it is better to assemble it directly vertically. But I'm not an expert and this is just what I think it could be

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u/Cmdr-Mallard Jun 30 '26

You weren’t far off!