This is a huge step for NASA's SLS (Space Launch System). Being on my school's rocket team, it's really interesting to see them going through the same process they have us go through. The CDR (Critical Design Review) is pretty much saying "Hey, our rocket is going to work. We're ready to build the actual thing." This is the first time in nearly 40 years that a human-rated spacecraft from NASA has passed a CDR, and it's really exciting. Can't wait for the first launch in 2018!
Oh, also, SLS got a new paint-job:
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2827/9556608236_7cf1c685b5_k.jpg)
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2890/9724149727_dcd27c1481_k.jpg)
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2882/9416340349_ed8cad2f22_k.jpg)
I really fucking love this for some reasons. First, it's really cool. Second, it takes away a lot of weight, which would have been there if it was painted. However, my favorite thing about the new paint is that IT LOOKS LIKE THE SHADOW OF THE SPACE SHUTTLE. I bet it was intentional, because the swooping paint on the solid rocket boosters looks just like a shadow of the Shuttle's delta wings. I did enjoy the old Apollo style, but I FUCKING LOVE this.
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5712/22204787379_73fae16a36_k.jpg)
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5706/21770518313_7f93b90bea_k.jpg)
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/611/21770525843_2b0be55089_k.jpg)
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5832/22204782329_3b65bfc382_k.jpg)
HHNNNNNNGNGGG
https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-completes-critical-design-review-for-space-launch-system (https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-completes-critical-design-review-for-space-launch-system)