NASA Unveils 'Megarocket' Plans

The Space Launch System would be bigger, more powerful, and more expensive than any other rocket, but it might get us to Mars.

NASA has released its plans for a new rocket to replace the recently retired space shuttle program, but with a price tag of at least $18 billion it's far from clear if the American government will pick up its tab. The rocket, for now named the Space Launch System (inspiring name, that), would be the largest and most powerful ever constructed on Earth, and would be designed for deep space exploration and perhaps missions to Mars or asteroids. The Space Launch System will some day be able to carry a payload of 130 tonnes, nearly seven times what the most powerful rockets of today can carry. NASA hopes to launch its first unmanned test rocket in 2017. The space shuttle program flew its 135th and final mission in July.