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| name = Exploration Upper Stage
| name = Exploration Upper Stage
| image = Exploration Upper Stage 2020 Design.png
| image = Exploration Upper Stage 2020 Design.png
| caption = 2020 Design of the Exploration Upper Stage
| caption = 2020 design of the Exploration Upper Stage
| image_size = 150px
| image_size = 150pxf


| manufacturer = [[Boeing]]<ref name=sne>{{cite web|title=NASA, Boeing Finalize US$2.8 billion SLS Core Stage Contract|url=http://www.spacenews.com/article/civil-space/41139nasa-boeing-finalize-28b-sls-core-stage-contract|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140727032517/http://www.spacenews.com/article/civil-space/41139nasa-boeing-finalize-28b-sls-core-stage-contract|url-status=dead|archive-date=27 July 2014|publisher=SpaceNews|date=July 4, 2014|access-date=July 25, 2014}}</ref>
| manufacturer = [[Boeing]]<ref name=sne>{{cite web|title=NASA, Boeing Finalize US$2.8 billion SLS Core Stage Contract|url=http://www.spacenews.com/article/civil-space/41139nasa-boeing-finalize-28b-sls-core-stage-contract|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140727032517/http://www.spacenews.com/article/civil-space/41139nasa-boeing-finalize-28b-sls-core-stage-contract|url-status=dead|archive-date=27 July 2014|publisher=SpaceNews|date=July 4, 2014|access-date=July 25, 2014}}</ref>
| country = [[United States]]
| country = United States


| rockets = [[Space Launch System|SLS]] Block 1B and Block 2<ref name="SLS_October_FactSheet"/>
| rockets = [[Space Launch System|SLS]] Block 1B and Block 2<ref name="SLS_October_FactSheet">{{cite web|url=https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/sls_fact_sheet.pdf|title=Space Launch System Fact Sheet|publisher=NASA|access-date=May 16, 2023}}</ref>
| height = not to exceed {{cvt|18|m}}
| height = No more than {{cvt|18|m}}
| diameter = {{cvt|8.4|m}}
| diameter = {{cvt|8.4|m}} ([[Liquid hydrogen|LH<sub>2</sub>]] tank)
{{cvt|5.5|m}} ([[Liquid oxygen|LOX]] tank)<ref name="1 year down, a galaxy to go">{{cite web|url=https://www.boeing.com/features/2024/02/one-year-down-a-galaxy-to-go|title=1 year down, a galaxy to go|publisher=Boeing|access-date=April 12, 2024}}</ref>
| propmass = up to {{cvt|129000|kg}}
| empty = {{cvt|31110|lb}}<ref>|https://arc.aiaa.org/doi/pdf/10.2514/6.2018-4639</ref>
| propmass = {{cvt|278000|lb}}<ref>|https://arc.aiaa.org/doi/pdf/10.2514/6.2018-4639</ref>


| stagedata =
| stagedata =
Line 21: Line 23:
| engines = 4 [[RL10|RL10C-3]]<ref name="RL10_Variants" />
| engines = 4 [[RL10|RL10C-3]]<ref name="RL10_Variants" />
| thrust = {{cvt|97360|lbf|kN|order=flip}}
| thrust = {{cvt|97360|lbf|kN|order=flip}}
| SI = 460.1 seconds (vacuum)
| time =
| time =
| fuel = [[Liquid oxygen|LOX]] / [[Liquid hydrogen|LH<sub>2</sub>]]
| fuel = [[Liquid oxygen|LOX]] / [[Liquid hydrogen|LH<sub>2</sub>]]
Line 26: Line 29:
}}
}}


The '''Exploration Upper Stage (EUS)''' is being developed as a large second stage for Block 1B and Block 2 of the [[Space Launch System]] (SLS), succeeding Block 1's [[Delta Cryogenic Second Stage|Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage]]. It will be powered by four [[RL10|RL10C-3]] engines burning [[liquid oxygen]] and [[liquid hydrogen]] to produce a total thrust of {{cvt|97360|lbf|kN|order=flip}}. {{asof|2017|October}}, the SLS Block&nbsp;1B will have a payload capacity to [[low Earth orbit]] of {{cvt|105|t|ST lb}} and Block&nbsp;2 will have a payload capacity of {{Cvt|130|t|ST lb}}.<ref name="SLS_October_FactSheet">{{cite web | access-date=November 18, 2021 | archive-date=November 1, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211101055723/https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/sls_fact_sheet_final_10112017.pdf | url=https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/sls_fact_sheet_final_10112017.pdf | title=SLS October 2017 Fact Sheet | url-status=live}}</ref> The EUS is expected to first fly on [[Artemis program|Artemis&nbsp;IV]] in March 2026.<ref>{{cite news |last=Sloss |first=Philip |date=17 February 2021 |title=NASA completes Exploration Upper Stage CDR, focuses new office on SLS Block 1B development |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2021/02/nasa-completes-exploration-upper-stage-cdr-focuses-new-office-on-sls-block-1b-development/ |work=NASASpaceFlight.com |access-date=November 17, 2021 |quote=The recent GAO-21-105 audit noted that the Artemis 4 mission that would debut Block 1B and EUS is forecast to launch in March 2026.}}</ref>
The '''Exploration Upper Stage (EUS)''' is a rocket stage under development that will be used for future flights of [[NASA]]'s [[Space Launch System]] (SLS). Used on SLS Block&nbsp;1B and Block&nbsp;2, it will replace the SLS Block&nbsp;1's [[Delta Cryogenic Second Stage#Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage|Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage]]. The stage will be powered by four [[RL10|RL10C-3]] engines burning [[liquid oxygen]] and [[liquid hydrogen]] to produce a total thrust of {{cvt|97360|lbf|kN|order=flip}}. The EUS is expected to first fly on [[Artemis 4|Artemis&nbsp;4]] in 2028.<ref name="sn-20221030">{{cite web |last=Foust |first=Jeff |url=https://spacenews.com/lunar-landing-restored-for-artemis-4-mission/ |title=Lunar landing restored for Artemis 4 mission |work=[[SpaceNews]] |date=30 October 2022 |access-date=31 October 2022}}</ref>


== Development ==
== Development ==
The Block 1 configuration of SLS will have a core stage powered by four [[RS-25]] engines, two [[Space Shuttle]]-derived five-segment [[Space Shuttle Solid Rocket Booster|solid rocket boosters]], and an [[Delta Cryogenic Second Stage#ICPS|Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage]] (ICPS) [[Multistage rocket|upper stage]].<ref name=":0">{{cite web |title=SLS |url=http://space.skyrocket.de/doc_lau/sls.htm |publisher=Gunter's Space Page |access-date=July 25, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Space Launch System Data Sheet |url=http://www.spacelaunchreport.com/sls0.html |publisher=SpaceLaunchReport.com |access-date=July 25, 2014}}</ref>
The Block 1 configuration of SLS, which first flew the [[Artemis 1]] mission, has a core stage powered by four [[RS-25]] engines, two [[Space Shuttle]]-derived five-segment [[Space Shuttle Solid Rocket Booster|solid rocket boosters]], and an [[Delta Cryogenic Second Stage#ICPS|Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage]]{{Broken anchor|date=2024-06-18|bot=User:Cewbot/log/20201008/configuration|target_link=Delta Cryogenic Second Stage#ICPS|reason= The anchor (ICPS) [[Special:Diff/910334133|has been deleted]].}} (ICPS) [[Multistage rocket|upper stage]].<ref name=":0">{{cite web |title=SLS |url=http://space.skyrocket.de/doc_lau/sls.htm |publisher=Gunter's Space Page |access-date=July 25, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Space Launch System Data Sheet |url=http://www.spacelaunchreport.com/sls0.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130411204255/http://www.spacelaunchreport.com/sls0.html |url-status=usurped |archive-date=11 April 2013 |publisher=SpaceLaunchReport.com |access-date=July 25, 2014}}</ref>


NASA will develop the EUS to increase SLS performance beyond Block&nbsp;1 specifications. The improved upper stage was originally named the Dual Use Upper Stage (DUUS, pronounced "duce")<ref name=nsfpdr>{{cite web |title=SLS prepares for PDR – Evolution eyes Dual-Use Upper Stage |url=http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/06/sls-pdr-evolved-rocket-dual-upper-stage/ |publisher=NASASpaceflight.com |date=June 2013 |access-date=July 25, 2014}}</ref> but was later renamed the Exploration Upper Stage (EUS) due to DUUS sounding like a profanity in Japanese.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Bergin |first1=Chris |title=SLS positioning for ARRM and Europa missions |url=http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2014/03/sls-positioning-arrm-europa-missions/ |publisher=NASASpaceflight.com |date=March 28, 2014 |access-date=November 8, 2014}}</ref>
NASA will develop the EUS to increase SLS performance for [[trans-lunar injection]] beyond Block&nbsp;1 specifications. The improved upper stage was originally named the Dual Use Upper Stage (DUUS, pronounced "duce"),<ref name=nsfpdr>{{cite web |title=SLS prepares for PDR – Evolution eyes Dual-Use Upper Stage |url=http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/06/sls-pdr-evolved-rocket-dual-upper-stage/ |publisher=NASASpaceflight.com |date=June 2013 |access-date=July 25, 2014}}</ref> but was later renamed the Exploration Upper Stage (EUS) due to DUUS sounding like a profanity in Japanese.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Bergin |first1=Chris |title=SLS positioning for ARRM and Europa missions |url=http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2014/03/sls-positioning-arrm-europa-missions/ |publisher=NASASpaceflight.com |date=March 28, 2014 |access-date=November 8, 2014}}</ref>


In 2014, NASA announced that it would proceed with development of Block&nbsp;1B with the EUS<ref>{{cite web |last1=Bergin |first1=Chris |title=Wind Tunnel testing conducted on SLS configurations, including Block 1B |url=http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2012/07/wind-tunnel-testing-sls-configurations-block-1b/ |publisher=NASASpaceFlight.com |date=July 30, 2012 |access-date=2015-03-12}}</ref> and would use it on EM-2.<ref name=nsfe/> In April 2016, it was reported that NASA has chosen to use a design based on four [[RL10|RL10-C3]] engines for the EUS,<ref name="RL10_Variants">{{cite web | archive-date=November 7, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107110702/https://www.rocket.com/space/liquid-engines/rl10-engine | url=https://www.rocket.com/space/liquid-engines/rl10-engine | title=RL10 Engine | accessdate=November 18, 2021 | url-status=live | website=Aerojet Rocketdyne}}</ref> and in October 2016 NASA confirmed they had ordered 10 of the engines.<ref name="RL10C3_Order_2016">{{cite web | url=https://www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/sls/proven-engine-packs-big-in-space-punch-for-nasa-s-sls-rocket.html | title=Proven Engine Packs Big, In-Space Punch for NASA’s SLS Rocket | publisher=NASA | date=October 21, 2016 | accessdate=18 November 2021}}</ref>
In 2014, NASA announced that it would proceed with development of Block&nbsp;1B with the EUS<ref>{{cite web |last1=Bergin |first1=Chris |title=Wind Tunnel testing conducted on SLS configurations, including Block 1B |url=http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2012/07/wind-tunnel-testing-sls-configurations-block-1b/ |publisher=NASASpaceFlight.com |date=July 30, 2012 |access-date=2015-03-12}}</ref> and would use it on [[Exploration Mission 2]], now referred to as [[Artemis 2]].<ref name=nsfe>{{cite web|title=NASA confirms EUS for SLS Block IB design and EM-2 flight|url=http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2014/06/nasa-confirms-eus-sls-block-ib-design-em-2-flight/|publisher=NASASpaceflight.com|date=June 6, 2014|access-date=July 25, 2014}}</ref> In April 2016, it was reported that NASA has chosen to use a design based on four [[RL10|RL10-C3]] engines for the EUS,<ref name="RL10_Variants">{{cite web | archive-date=November 7, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107110702/https://www.rocket.com/space/liquid-engines/rl10-engine | url=https://www.rocket.com/space/liquid-engines/rl10-engine | title=RL10 Engine | accessdate=November 18, 2021 | url-status=live | website=Aerojet Rocketdyne}}</ref> and in October 2016 NASA confirmed they had ordered 10 of the engines.<ref name="RL10C3_Order_2016">{{cite web | url=https://www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/sls/proven-engine-packs-big-in-space-punch-for-nasa-s-sls-rocket.html | title=Proven Engine Packs Big, In-Space Punch for NASA's SLS Rocket | publisher=NASA | date=October 21, 2016 | accessdate=18 November 2021}}</ref>


In 2018, it was decided to optimise EUS for payload to lunar missions, by using smaller tanks.<ref name=NSF-2021-Feb>[https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2021/02/nasa-completes-exploration-upper-stage-cdr-focuses-new-office-on-sls-block-1b-development/ ''NASA completes Exploration Upper Stage CDR, focuses new office on SLS Block 1B development'']. Feb 2021.</ref>
In 2018, it was decided to optimize EUS for payload to lunar missions, by using smaller tanks.<ref name=NSF-2021-Feb>[https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2021/02/nasa-completes-exploration-upper-stage-cdr-focuses-new-office-on-sls-block-1b-development/ ''NASA completes Exploration Upper Stage CDR, focuses new office on SLS Block 1B development'']. Feb 2021.</ref>


By February 2020, the development contract for EUS had been delayed, and NASA was planning to use ICPS for the first three launches of SLS.<ref name=RL-10-2020>[https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2020/02/upper-stage-rl-10s-stennis-sls-launches/ ''Upper Stage RL10s arrive at Stennis for upcoming SLS launches'']. February 2020.</ref>
By February 2020, the development contract for EUS had been delayed, and NASA was planning to use ICPS for the first three launches of the SLS.<ref name=RL-10-2020>[https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2020/02/upper-stage-rl-10s-stennis-sls-launches/ ''Upper Stage RL10s arrive at Stennis for upcoming SLS launches'']. February 2020.</ref>


[[Boeing]] announced on 21 December 2020 that the Exploration Upper Stage (EUS) of the SLS completed a [[Design review (U.S. government)|critical design review]] (CDR) with [[NASA]]. That review confirmed the design of the EUS, allowing Boeing to proceed with development of the stage, including hardware fabrication.<ref name="SN20201222">{{cite web |url=https://spacenews.com/sls-exploration-upper-stage-passes-review/ |title=SLS Exploration Upper Stage passes review |publisher=SpaceNews |date=22 December 2020 |access-date=22 December 2020}}</ref>
[[Boeing]] announced on 21 December 2020 that the EUS of the SLS completed a [[Design review (U.S. government)|critical design review]] (CDR) with NASA. That review confirmed the design of the EUS, allowing Boeing to proceed with development of the stage, including hardware fabrication.<ref name="SN20201222">{{cite web |url=https://spacenews.com/sls-exploration-upper-stage-passes-review/ |title=SLS Exploration Upper Stage passes review |publisher=SpaceNews |date=22 December 2020 |access-date=22 December 2020}}</ref>


In March 2022, Boeing discussed the possibility of using a carbon composite liquid oxygen tank on the EUS, offering mass savings of up to 30%.<ref name="nsf-20220305">{{cite web |title=With all-composite cryogenic tank, Boeing eyes mass-reducing space, aviation applications |url=https://www.compositesworld.com/articles/nasaboeing-composite-launch-vehicle-fuel-tank-scores-firsts |access-date=2 June 2024 |date=28 January 2016 }}</ref>
⚫
=== Funding History ===

⚫
=== Funding history ===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
|-
|-
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! scope="col" |Nominal
! scope="col" |Nominal
(millions)
(millions)
! scope="col" |In 2021<ref name="NASAInflationCalculator2020">{{Cite web|title=NASA FY20 Inflation Tables – to be utilized in FY21|url=https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/2020_nasa_new_start_inflation_index_for_fy21_final.xlsx|url-status=live|archive-date=12 October 2021|access-date=11 October 2021|publisher=NASA|page=Inflation Table}} {{PD-notice}}</ref>(millions)
! scope="col" |In 2024<ref name="NASAInflationCalculator2020">{{Cite web|title=NASA FY24 Inflation Tables – to be utilized in FY24|url=https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2023-nasa-new-start-inflation-index-for-fy24-final.xlsx|access-date=2 June 2024|publisher=NASA|page=Inflation Table}} {{PD-notice}}</ref>(millions)
|-
|-
! scope="row" |2016
! scope="row" |2016
|$77.0
|$77.0
|$84.8
|$98.9
|-
|-
! scope="row" |2017
! scope="row" |2017
|$300.0<ref name=":02">{{Cite web|date=2019-05-01|title=NASA outlines plan for 2024 lunar landing|url=https://spacenews.com/nasa-outlines-plan-for-2024-lunar-landing/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210930001738/https://spacenews.com/nasa-outlines-plan-for-2024-lunar-landing/|archive-date=30 September 2021|access-date=2019-05-15|publisher=SpaceNews}}</ref>
|$300.0<ref name=":02">{{Cite web|date=2019-05-01|title=NASA outlines plan for 2024 lunar landing|url=https://spacenews.com/nasa-outlines-plan-for-2024-lunar-landing/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210930001738/https://spacenews.com/nasa-outlines-plan-for-2024-lunar-landing/|archive-date=30 September 2021|access-date=2019-05-15|publisher=SpaceNews}}</ref>
|$324.3
|$377.4
|-
|-
! scope="row" |2018
! scope="row" |2018
|$300.0<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|last=Berger|first=Eric|date=2019-05-20|title=NASA's full Artemis plan revealed: 37 launches and a lunar outpost|url=https://arstechnica.com/science/2019/05/nasas-full-artemis-plan-revealed-37-launches-and-a-lunar-outpost/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190523032200/https://arstechnica.com/science/2019/05/nasas-full-artemis-plan-revealed-37-launches-and-a-lunar-outpost/|archive-date=23 May 2019|access-date=2019-05-20|publisher=Ars Technica}}</ref>
|$300.0<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|last=Berger|first=Eric|date=2019-05-20|title=NASA's full Artemis plan revealed: 37 launches and a lunar outpost|url=https://arstechnica.com/science/2019/05/nasas-full-artemis-plan-revealed-37-launches-and-a-lunar-outpost/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190523032200/https://arstechnica.com/science/2019/05/nasas-full-artemis-plan-revealed-37-launches-and-a-lunar-outpost/|archive-date=23 May 2019|access-date=2019-05-20|publisher=Ars Technica}}</ref>
|$316.5
|$368.1
|-
|-
! scope="row" |2019
! scope="row" |2019
|$150.0<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Sloss|first1=Philip|title=Amid competing priorities, Boeing redesigns NASA SLS Exploration Upper Stage|url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2019/12/amid-priorities-boeing-redesigns-nasa-sls-eus/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807073655/https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2019/12/amid-priorities-boeing-redesigns-nasa-sls-eus/|archive-date=7 August 2020|access-date=25 July 2020|publisher=NASASpaceFlight.com}}</ref>
|$150.0<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Sloss|first1=Philip|title=Amid competing priorities, Boeing redesigns NASA SLS Exploration Upper Stage|date=18 December 2019 |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2019/12/amid-priorities-boeing-redesigns-nasa-sls-eus/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807073655/https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2019/12/amid-priorities-boeing-redesigns-nasa-sls-eus/|archive-date=7 August 2020|access-date=25 July 2020|publisher=NASASpaceFlight.com}}</ref>
|$155.1
|$180.6
|-
|-
! scope="row" |2020
! scope="row" |2020
|$300.0
|$300.0<ref>
{{Cite web|title=NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION FY 2020 SPENDING PLAN FOR APPROPRIATIONS PROVIDED BY P.L. 116-93 and P.L. 116-136|date=July 2020 |url=https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/fy-2020-spend-plan-update.pdf |access-date=2 June 2024}}</ref>
|$303.9
|$353.4
|-
|-
! scope="row" |2021
! scope="row" |2021
|$400.0{{refn|The FY2021 spending plan indicates that this is for "Block 1B (non-add) (including EUS)"|group=note}}
|$400.0<ref>{{Cite web |title=NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION FY 2021 SPENDING PLAN FOR APPROPRIATIONS PURSUANT TO P.L. 116-260|date=June 2021 |url=https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/updated_fy_2021_spend_plan_june_2021.pdf|access-date=2 June 2024}}</ref>{{refn|The spending plan indicates that this is for "Block 1B (non-add) (including EUS)"|group=note}}
|$400.0
|$454.0
|-
|-
⚫
! scope="row" |2022
⚫
!Total: 2016–2021
|$636.7<ref>{{Cite web |title=NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION FY 2022 SPENDING PLAN FOR APPROPRIATIONS PROVIDED BY P.L. 117-103|date=July 2022 |url=https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/fy_2022_spend_plan_july_2022.pdf|access-date=2 June 2024}}</ref>
⚫
! scope="col" |$1,527.0
|$684.4
⚫
! scope="col" |$1,584.6
|-
! scope="row" |2023
|$648.3<ref>{{Cite web |title=NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION FY 2023 SPENDING PLAN FOR APPROPRIATIONS PROVIDED BY P.L. 117-328|date=March 2023 |url=https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/nasa-fy-2023-spending-plan.pdf|access-date=2 June 2024}}</ref>
|$669.0
|-
! scope="row" |2024
|$600.0<ref>{{Cite web |title=COMMERCE, JUSTICE, SCIENCE, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2024|date=March 2024 |url=https://docs.house.gov/billsthisweek/20240304/FY24%20CJS%20Conference%20JES%20scan%203.3.24.pdf|access-date=2 June 2024}}</ref>
|$600.0
|-
⚫
!Total: 2016–2024
⚫
! scope="col" |$3,412.0
! scope="col" |$3,785.9
|}
|}

== Cost concerns and alternatives==
Due to the possible cost of EUS (about US$800 million each), NASA invited proposals for alternatives, but in May 2019 rejected Blue Origin's proposal.<ref name=EUS-BO-2019>[https://arstechnica.com/science/2019/11/nasa-rejects-blue-origins-offer-of-a-cheaper-upper-stage-for-the-sls-rocket/ ''NASA rejects Blue Origin's offer of a cheaper upper stage for the SLS rocket'' May 2019]</ref> NASA ordered eight EUSs from Boeing.<ref name=EUS-BO-2019/>


== See also ==
== See also ==
Line 89: Line 104:


== References ==
== References ==
{{Reflist|2}}
{{Reflist|2}}{{Upper stages}}

{{Upper stages}}


[[Category:Space Launch System]]
[[Category:Space Launch System]]

Revision as of 02:20, 18 June 2024

Exploration Upper Stage
150pxf
2020 design of the Exploration Upper Stage
ManufacturerBoeing[1]
Country of originVereinigte Staaten
Used onSLS Block 1B and Block 2[2]
General characteristics
HeightNo more than 18 m (59 ft)
Diameter8.4 m (28 ft) (LH2 tank) 5.5 m (18 ft) (LOX tank)[3]
Propellant mass278,000 lb (126,000 kg)[4]
Empty mass31,110 lb (14,110 kg)[5]
Engine details
Powered by4 RL10C-3[6]
Maximum thrust433.1 kN (97,360 lbf)
Specific impulse460.1 seconds (vacuum)
PropellantLOX / LH2

The Exploration Upper Stage (EUS) is a rocket stage under development that will be used for future flights of NASA's Space Launch System (SLS). Used on SLS Block 1B and Block 2, it will replace the SLS Block 1's Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage. The stage will be powered by four RL10C-3 engines burning liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen to produce a total thrust of 433.1 kN (97,360 lbf). The EUS is expected to first fly on Artemis 4 in 2028.[7]

Development

The Block 1 configuration of SLS, which first flew the Artemis 1 mission, has a core stage powered by four RS-25 engines, two Space Shuttle-derived five-segment solid rocket boosters, and an Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage[broken anchor] (ICPS) upper stage.[8][9]

NASA will develop the EUS to increase SLS performance for trans-lunar injection beyond Block 1 specifications. The improved upper stage was originally named the Dual Use Upper Stage (DUUS, pronounced "duce"),[10] but was later renamed the Exploration Upper Stage (EUS) due to DUUS sounding like a profanity in Japanese.[11]

In 2014, NASA announced that it would proceed with development of Block 1B with the EUS[12] and would use it on Exploration Mission 2, now referred to as Artemis 2.[13] In April 2016, it was reported that NASA has chosen to use a design based on four RL10-C3 engines for the EUS,[6] and in October 2016 NASA confirmed they had ordered 10 of the engines.[14]

In 2018, it was decided to optimize EUS for payload to lunar missions, by using smaller tanks.[15]

By February 2020, the development contract for EUS had been delayed, and NASA was planning to use ICPS for the first three launches of the SLS.[16]

Boeing announced on 21 December 2020 that the EUS of the SLS completed a critical design review (CDR) with NASA. That review confirmed the design of the EUS, allowing Boeing to proceed with development of the stage, including hardware fabrication.[17]

In March 2022, Boeing discussed the possibility of using a carbon composite liquid oxygen tank on the EUS, offering mass savings of up to 30%.[18]

Funding history

Fiscal year Nominal

(millions)

In 2024[19](millions)
2016 $77.0 $98.9
2017 $300.0[20] $377.4
2018 $300.0[21] $368.1
2019 $150.0[22] $180.6
2020 $300.0[23] $353.4
2021 $400.0[24][note 1] $454.0
2022 $636.7[25] $684.4
2023 $648.3[26] $669.0
2024 $600.0[27] $600.0
Total: 2016–2024 $3,412.0 $3,785.9

See also

Notes

  1. ^ The spending plan indicates that this is for "Block 1B (non-add) (including EUS)"

References

  1. ^ "NASA, Boeing Finalize US$2.8 billion SLS Core Stage Contract". SpaceNews. 4 July 2014. Archived from the original on 27 July 2014. Retrieved 25 July 2014.
  2. ^ "Space Launch System Fact Sheet" (PDF). NASA. Retrieved 16 May 2023.
  3. ^ "1 year down, a galaxy to go". Boeing. Retrieved 12 April 2024.
  4. ^ |https://arc.aiaa.org/doi/pdf/10.2514/6.2018-4639
  5. ^ |https://arc.aiaa.org/doi/pdf/10.2514/6.2018-4639
  6. ^ a b "RL10 Engine". Aerojet Rocketdyne. Archived from the original on 7 November 2021. Retrieved 18 November 2021.
  7. ^ Foust, Jeff (30 October 2022). "Lunar landing restored for Artemis 4 mission". SpaceNews. Retrieved 31 October 2022.
  8. ^ "SLS". Gunter's Space Page. Retrieved 25 July 2014.
  9. ^ "Space Launch System Data Sheet". SpaceLaunchReport.com. Archived from the original on 11 April 2013. Retrieved 25 July 2014.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  10. ^ "SLS prepares for PDR – Evolution eyes Dual-Use Upper Stage". NASASpaceflight.com. June 2013. Retrieved 25 July 2014.
  11. ^ Bergin, Chris (28 March 2014). "SLS positioning for ARRM and Europa missions". NASASpaceflight.com. Retrieved 8 November 2014.
  12. ^ Bergin, Chris (30 July 2012). "Wind Tunnel testing conducted on SLS configurations, including Block 1B". NASASpaceFlight.com. Retrieved 12 March 2015.
  13. ^ "NASA confirms EUS for SLS Block IB design and EM-2 flight". NASASpaceflight.com. 6 June 2014. Retrieved 25 July 2014.
  14. ^ "Proven Engine Packs Big, In-Space Punch for NASA's SLS Rocket". NASA. 21 October 2016. Retrieved 18 November 2021.
  15. ^ NASA completes Exploration Upper Stage CDR, focuses new office on SLS Block 1B development. Feb 2021.
  16. ^ Upper Stage RL10s arrive at Stennis for upcoming SLS launches. February 2020.
  17. ^ "SLS Exploration Upper Stage passes review". SpaceNews. 22 December 2020. Retrieved 22 December 2020.
  18. ^ "With all-composite cryogenic tank, Boeing eyes mass-reducing space, aviation applications". 28 January 2016. Retrieved 2 June 2024.
  19. ^ "NASA FY24 Inflation Tables – to be utilized in FY24". NASA. p. Inflation Table. Retrieved 2 June 2024. Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  20. ^ "NASA outlines plan for 2024 lunar landing". SpaceNews. 1 May 2019. Archived from the original on 30 September 2021. Retrieved 15 May 2019.
  21. ^ Berger, Eric (20 May 2019). "NASA's full Artemis plan revealed: 37 launches and a lunar outpost". Ars Technica. Archived from the original on 23 May 2019. Retrieved 20 May 2019.
  22. ^ Sloss, Philip (18 December 2019). "Amid competing priorities, Boeing redesigns NASA SLS Exploration Upper Stage". NASASpaceFlight.com. Archived from the original on 7 August 2020. Retrieved 25 July 2020.
  23. ^ "NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION FY 2020 SPENDING PLAN FOR APPROPRIATIONS PROVIDED BY P.L. 116-93 and P.L. 116-136" (PDF). July 2020. Retrieved 2 June 2024.
  24. ^ "NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION FY 2021 SPENDING PLAN FOR APPROPRIATIONS PURSUANT TO P.L. 116-260" (PDF). June 2021. Retrieved 2 June 2024.
  25. ^ "NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION FY 2022 SPENDING PLAN FOR APPROPRIATIONS PROVIDED BY P.L. 117-103" (PDF). July 2022. Retrieved 2 June 2024.
  26. ^ "NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION FY 2023 SPENDING PLAN FOR APPROPRIATIONS PROVIDED BY P.L. 117-328" (PDF). March 2023. Retrieved 2 June 2024.
  27. ^ "COMMERCE, JUSTICE, SCIENCE, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2024" (PDF). March 2024. Retrieved 2 June 2024.
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