Future Of Space Exploration Takes Shape With New Upper Stage
NASA has officially selected United Launch Alliance’s Centaur 5 as the upper stage for its Space Launch System rocket, starting with the Artemis 4 mission scheduled to launch no earlier than early 2028. The Centaur 5 was developed as the upper stage of ULA’s Vulcan rocket and has performed well in four flights since its debut in January 2024. This development marks a significant step in the future of space exploration and the evolution of the SLS rocket. The selection was first reported by Spaceflight Now.