Human Lunar missions and other exploration opportunities enabled by the Space Launch System

The Space Launch System (SLS) Program is making progress toward delivering a new capability for Beyond Earth Orbit (BEO) exploration. Developed with the goals of safety, affordability and sustainability, SLS will start with 10% more thrust than the Saturn V that launched astronauts to the Moon 40 years ago. From there it will evolve into the most powerful launch vehicle ever flown, via an evolutionary approach that will provide building blocks for future space exploration. The SLS provides a critical heavy-lift launch capability enabling Crewed Lunar exploration and diverse deep space missions. In this paper SLS capabilities are described.