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SLS and Orion

SLS, Saturn V, And Ares V Color Schemes (Update)

By Keith Cowing
NASA Watch
September 17, 2011
Filed under , ,

Keith’s note: Contrary to what some websites are reporting (including this one) NASA PAO says that the white/black coloration of the SLS stages that evokes memories of the Saturn V is there for the same reason: to aid in tracking during ascent. There will be no spray-on foam on the first (or second stage ) as was the case with the Space Shuttle and Ares V – hence no orange on the SLS.
Keith’s update: Well despite the official PAO response, I am now told by several people at NASA with the utmost reliability and knowledge on this issue that the depiction of the SLS in Saturn V-esque paint scheme was done at the discretion of the graphic artist to evoke memories of the Saturn V. My understanding is that they will paint it – but what it will look like no one really knows.
I guess the only way to get a straight answer on this is for someone to ask Bill Gerstenmeier – on the record.

NASA Watch founder, Explorers Club Fellow, ex-NASA, Away Teams, Journalist, Space & Astrobiology, Lapsed climber.