Exploration Upper Stage

The Exploration Upper Stage (EUS) is being developed as a large second stage for Block 1B of the Space Launch System (SLS), succeeding Block 1's Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage. It will be powered by four RL10C-3[4] engines burning liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen to produce a total of 440 kN (99,000 lbf) thrust. As of February 2015, the SLS Block 1B will provide thrust of 105 metric tons (231,000 lb).[5] The EUS is expected to first fly on Artemis IV.[6]

Exploration Upper Stage
Diagram of the Exploration Upper Stage
ManufacturerBoeing[1]
Country of originUnited States
Used onSLS Block 1B[2]
General characteristics
Heightnot to exceed 18 m (60 ft)
Diameter8.4 m (28 ft)
Propellant massup to 129,000 kg (285,000 lb)
Engine details
Engines4 RL10C-3[3][4]
Thrust440 kN (99,000 lbf)
FuelLOX/LH2

Development

The Block 1 configuration of SLS will have a core stage powered by four RS-25 engines, two Space Shuttle-derived five-segment solid rocket boosters, and an Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage upper stage.[7][8]

NASA will develop the EUS to increase SLS performance beyond Block 1 specifications. The improved upper stage was originally named the Dual Use Upper Stage (DUUS, pronounced "duce")[9] but was later renamed the Exploration Upper Stage (EUS) due to DUUS sounding like a profanity in Japanese.[10]

In 2014, NASA announced that it would proceed with development of Block 1B with the EUS,[11] and would use it on EM-2.[2] In April 2016, it was reported that NASA has chosen to use a design based on four RL10-C3 engines for the EUS,[3] and in October 2016 NASA confirmed they had ordered 10 of the engines.[4]

By February 2020 the development contract for EUS had been delayed and NASA was planning to use ICPS for the first three launches of SLS.[12]

Role and comparable stages

The EUS is to complete the SLS's ascent phase and then re-ignite to send its payload to destinations beyond low Earth orbit. This is a similar function to the S-IVB stage of the old Saturn V rocket, but the S-IV is comparable in also incorporating a cluster of RL-10 engines. The four RL10 engines on the EUS will produce slightly more thrust than the six RL10 engines of the S-IV.[13][14]

See also

References
  1. "NASA, Boeing Finalize $2.8B SLS Core Stage Contract". SpaceNews.com. July 4, 2014. Retrieved July 25, 2014.
  2. "NASA confirms EUS for SLS Block IB design and EM-2 flight". NASASpaceflight.com. June 6, 2014. Retrieved July 25, 2014.
  3. Bergin, Chris (April 7, 2016). "MSFC propose Aerojet Rocketdyne supply EUS engines". NASASpaceFlight. Retrieved April 8, 2016.
  4. Proven Engine Packs Big, In-Space Punch for NASA’s SLS Rocket. Oct 2016
  5. "Advanced Boosters progress towards a solid future for SLS". NasaSpaceflight.com. February 20, 2015. Retrieved March 12, 2015.
  6. "NASA updates Lunar Gateway plans". NasaSpaceflight.com. September 11, 2018. Retrieved October 5, 2018.
  7. "SLS". Gunter's Space Page. Retrieved July 25, 2014.
  8. "Space Launch System Data Sheet". SpaceLaunchReport.com. Retrieved July 25, 2014.
  9. "SLS prepares for PDR – Evolution eyes Dual-Use Upper Stage". NASASpaceflight.com. June 2013. Retrieved July 25, 2014.
  10. Bergin, Chris (March 28, 2014). "SLS positioning for ARRM and Europa missions". NASA Spaceflight. Retrieved November 8, 2014.
  11. Bergin, Chris (July 30, 2012). "Wind Tunnel testing conducted on SLS configurations, including Block 1B". NASA SpaceFlight. Retrieved March 12, 2015.
  12. Upper Stage RL10s arrive at Stennis for upcoming SLS launches Feb 2020
  13. "SLS Launch Vehicle specifications take shape as development continues". NASASpaceflight.com. March 16, 2012. Retrieved July 24, 2014.
  14. "NASA's J-2X Engine To Be Mothballed After Testing". aviationweek.com. Retrieved August 16, 2016.

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