To Boldly Go—Over Budget

NASA intends to once again land human beings in the moon. The space agency intends, also, to bring Mars within the purview of human exploration. These lofty and concomitant goals are largely dependent on the ongoing development of the Space Launch System (SLS)—a two-stage, heavy-lift rocket that will launch the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle (Orion) into space. Currently, NASA is developing two mobile launchers at its Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Each massive construct comprises a two-story base structure—the platform to support the SLS vehicle—and a tower equipped with connection lines; launch accessories; and a walkway for personnel, equipment, and astronauts.