The Space Launch System is designed around remaining Space Shuttle program hardware, plus a Delta Cryogenic Second Stage, known as the Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage.[1] One SLS flight has already been made, Artemis I [2]
There are enough modified shuttle SRBs for 7 more flights, enough Space Shuttle Main Engines for 3 more flights, and the ICPS is only intended for use on two more flights. All Space Launch System Flights after Artemis III are intended to use new replacements for these systems. The BOLE (that just failed) is the intended replacement for the modified shuttle SRBs. The RS-25E replacement for the Space Shuttle Main Engines was successfully test-fired earlier this week. [3]
I don´t know whether pigs will ever be able to fly but this test seems to point at the fact that pork is not likely to be airworthy. Maybe now that defence spending is on the rise again they can finally retire this boondoggle and leave all that old space shuttle technology in the museum where it belongs, Morton Thiokol or whatever their name is now - they produced the SRBs for the space shuttle - can do good business in the defence market and does not need this project to stay afloat.
The Space Launch System is designed around remaining Space Shuttle program hardware, plus a Delta Cryogenic Second Stage, known as the Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage.[1] One SLS flight has already been made, Artemis I [2]
There are enough modified shuttle SRBs for 7 more flights, enough Space Shuttle Main Engines for 3 more flights, and the ICPS is only intended for use on two more flights. All Space Launch System Flights after Artemis III are intended to use new replacements for these systems. The BOLE (that just failed) is the intended replacement for the modified shuttle SRBs. The RS-25E replacement for the Space Shuttle Main Engines was successfully test-fired earlier this week. [3]
1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delta_Cryogenic_Second_Stage
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artemis_I
3. https://news.satnews.com/2025/06/25/nasa-l3harris-hot-fire-t...
I don´t know whether pigs will ever be able to fly but this test seems to point at the fact that pork is not likely to be airworthy. Maybe now that defence spending is on the rise again they can finally retire this boondoggle and leave all that old space shuttle technology in the museum where it belongs, Morton Thiokol or whatever their name is now - they produced the SRBs for the space shuttle - can do good business in the defence market and does not need this project to stay afloat.