Preparing America for Deep Space Exploration.

NASA is developing the Space Launch System rocket, Orion spacecraft and the grounds systems needed to launch astronauts to destinations far into the solar system. Between January and March 2015, the agency made strides to build these capabilities. Recents progress includes a test of the RS-25 engine, evaluation of the Orion heat shield that flew into space in 2014, upgrades to the Mobile Launcher and Crawler Transporter at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, and to the Pegasus barge that will transport the SLS core stage to Florida prior to launch, as well as a full-scale firing of the SLS booster in a major qualification test.