The first demonstration launch of the developed super-heavy launch vehicle SLS is officially postponed to 2019.

This was confirmed in a letter from the April 27 administration of NASA Bill Gerstenmaier, reports Spacenews.

"We agree with the US Court of Accounts that November 2018 is not the best date for the rocket to be ready for launch. We are in the process of creating a new goal in 2019, "Gerstenmaier said..

According to the scientist, the reason for the transfer of the rocket launch was problems with the delivery of the module for the spacecraft Orion. The module was supposed to be delivered in January 2017, but the European side delayed the transfer of components. Gerstenmaier specified that it takes about a year to mount the module, which influenced the launch plans.

The final decision on the launch date of the SLS with the Orion spacecraft is scheduled for adoption in September, which will be taken into account in the NASA budget for the next fiscal year. Also, the agency has not yet decided whether to launch Orion in manned or unmanned modes.

The launch vehicle SLS (Space Launch System) is designed for manned flights and cargo delivery beyond the near-earth orbit. In particular, it is with SLS that it is planned to ship Orion ships to the moon, asteroids and Mars.

Recall that NASA reported the discovery of a new planet, which by mass and distance from its sun is very similar to Earth.

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