Posted: Sat, Aug 3, 2013, 8:52 AM ET (1252 GMT)
NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) heavy-lift rocket has completed its preliminary design review (PDR), a key early milestone in the development of the the vehicle. The PDR, completed on Wednesday, concluded the designs for the SLS are technically and programmatically capable of meeting its objectives, clearing the way for more detailed design work. The SLS, announced by NASA nearly two years ago, will initially be able to launch up to 70 metric tons into low Earth orbit, with future versions capable of going up to 130 metric tons. The first SLS launch, of an uncrewed Orion spacecraft, is planned for 2017, with the first crewed mission currently scheduled for 2021.

Related Links:

•  SPACE.com article
•  Flight International article
•  Aviation Week article
•  NASASpaceFlight.com article
•  NASA press release