SLS, NASA's New Human-Rated "Exploration-Class" Rocket

Artist's concept of the SLS on the launch platform

The SLS hit a major milestone, the completion of "Critical Design Review" which means that its design has been reviewed and deemed acceptable for implementation. It still has a long way to go before it's taking us to Mars, but if we're going to start on those missions, we'll need something to get us there.

SLS Block 1 Expanded View

The SLS is the first human-rated NASA rocket to pass Critical Design Review since the Saturn V (which powered the Apollo program, taking us to the moon.)

It's the largest NASA rocket ever, and currently our best shot at getting humans (or even more rovers) back to the Moon, to Mars, or elsewhere in the solar system.

http://go.nasa.gov/1RqKJkH