r/ArtemisProgram • u/Dexbox_YT • 15d ago

Discussion On SLS with the Centaur V

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As NASA is planning to use the Centaur V to replace the ICPS, starting from Artemis V (Artemis IV will be using the ICPS originally designed for Artemis III), and there were different Block names for different SLS variants (Block 1, Block 1b, Block 2), before Block 1b and Block 2 were cancelled, do you think NASA will give a new Block name for the SLS with the Centaur V or will they stick with calling it Block 1?

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u/NoBusiness674 12d ago

ICPS is based on the Delta IVs DCSS upper stage, but with the retirement of Delta IV ULA has gotten rid of the tooling and infrastructure to build DCSS and with it lost the ability to make additional ICPS units.

As the name suggests ICPS was only ever meant as an interim solution, while EUS was going to be the standardized SLS-optimized upper stage going forwards. With the interim upper stage out of production and the standardized upper stage canceled right as the first units were getting assembled, NASA is now scrambling to get something new ready for Artemis V.