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NASA's new rocket that will change space travel

NASA has announced the design of a new Space Launch System that will take the agency's astronauts farther into space than ever before.

It will also create high-quality jobs and provide the cornerstone for America's future human space exploration efforts.

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NASA's new rocket that will change space travel

This new heavy-lift rocket will be America's most powerful since the Saturn V rocket that carried Apollo astronauts to the moon.

It will take humans to places no one has gone before.

NASA's new rocket that will change space travel

"This launch system will create good-paying American jobs, ensure continued US leadership in space, and inspire millions around the world," NASA administrator Charles Bolden said.

NASA's new rocket that will change space travel

"President Obama challenged us to be bold and dream big, and that's exactly what we are doing at NASA. While I was proud to fly on the space shuttle, tomorrow's explorers will now dream of one day walking on Mars," he added.

NASA's new rocket that will change space travel

This launch vehicle decision is the culmination of a months-long comprehensive review of potential designs to ensure the nation gets a rocket that is not only powerful but also evolvable.

It can be adapted to different missions as opportunities arise and new technologies are developed.

NASA's new rocket that will change space travel

The SLS will carry human crews beyond low Earth orbit in a capsule named the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle.

The rocket will use liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen fuel system, where RS-25D/E engines will provide the core propulsion and the J2X engine is planned for use in the upper stage.