On Thursday, NASA's new giant rocket, the Space Launch System, emerged out into the Florida air, embarking on a torturously slow 11-hour journey to its primary launchpad at Kennedy Space Center. It was a big moment for NASA, having spent more than a decade on the development of this rocket, with the goal of using it to send cargo and people into deep space.
The launch of the SLS was just the beginning. In April, the rocket will undergo a wet dress rehearsal, going through all the procedures and operations it will go through during a typical launch, including filling up its tanks with propellant. The rocket will be rolled back to NASA's Vehicle Assembly Building if it goes well. The first flight of the rocket will take place this summer, after a few more tests.
There is some time before this megarocket sees space. For the first time in years, NASA employees, guests, and media were able to see the vehicle for the first time with their own eyes yesterday. There are photos from the SLS's big debut.
The doors to NASA’s Vehicle Assembly Building slowly opened, revealing the mobile launch platform carrying the Space Launch System. The tower of the platform initially concealed the rocket.
Photo by Loren Grush / The Verge
Photographers capture the moment the doors opened at the VAB
Photo by Loren Grush / The Verge
An onlooker shields his eyes while looking at the SLS emerging form the VAB
Photo by Loren Grush / The Verge
Photo by Loren Grush / The Verge
Guests and employees at NASA watch the SLS roll out of the VAB
Photo by Loren Grush / The Verge
Guests and employees at NASA watch the SLS roll out of the VAB
Photo by Loren Grush / The Verge
After slowly moving outward, the SLS rocket can finally be seen
Photo by Loren Grush / The Verge
On top of the SLS is Orion, a new capsule designed to take humans into deep space
Photo by Loren Grush / The Verge
SLS and the VAB, from which the rocket emerged
Photo by Loren Grush / The Verge
The SLS on the mobile launch platform as the sun sets
Photo by Loren Grush / The Verge
The mobile launch platform umbilical cords are attached to the rocket
Photo by Loren Grush / The Verge
Photo by Loren Grush / The Verge
Photo by Loren Grush / The Verge
Photo by Loren Grush / The Verge
Photo by Loren Grush / The Verge
Photo by Loren Grush / The Verge
Photo by Loren Grush / The Verge
Photo by Loren Grush / The Verge
Photo by Loren Grush / The Verge
Photo by Loren Grush / The Verge
Photo by Loren Grush / The Verge
Photo by Loren Grush / The Verge
Photo by Loren Grush / The Verge
Photo by Loren Grush / The Verge
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