NASA's new SLS Rocket - to Mars and beyond!

Today, NASA announced its new Space Launch System (SLS). Powered by 5 main engines and 2 booster rockers, it will be the most powerful launch system ever.

There's big plans for the SLS, starting with its tentative first-launch date on December 2017, where it will take the Multiple-Purpose Crew Vehicle on an unmanned trip around the Moon. Then if all goes well, the SLS will fly astronauts around the Moon in 2021. Then around 2025-2030, plans are that the SLS will be capable of lifting 130 tons, which should be enough to send a space exploration craft to Mars and beyond!

The attached is an artist's impression of the SLS on its launchpad. You can get more info plus watch a pretty neat video from the NASA site at http://gay.gl/eJ