NASA Adopts Disco Era Paint Scheme for SLS

NASA Completes Critical Design Review for Space Launch System

"Artist concept of the Block I configuration of NASA's Space Launch System (SLS). The SLS Program has completed its critical design review, and the program has concluded that the core stage of the rocket will remain orange along with the Launch Vehicle Stage Adapter, which is the natural color of the insulation that will cover those elements. Credits: NASA"

Keith's note: OK - the Core stage color makes sense. But why do the SRBs have a disco-era paint scheme - like you'd expect to see on a 70s muscle car? Does this make the rocket go faster or easier to track? Did the SLS program formally decide on this?

To be honest it looks like someone saw the James Bond film "Moonraker" (left) a few too many times. Earlier NASA artist's concepts of SLS were done to make people think of the Saturn V. Before that Ares V images wanted you to know there was a shuttle hardware heritage.

This new SLS paint scheme has those swoops on the SRBs that sort of remind you of Space Shuttle wings that are no longer there - or the Rockwell International logo (they built the shuttle). These paint schemes are all political. Is this really what SLS is going to look like? If NASA is going to use graphic design to make their rocket look better they really need to consult professionals.