Nasa has completed the testing and has now approved the launch of the SLS moon rocket.
The SLS is a Space Shuttle-derived launch vehicle. The first stage of the rocket is powered by one central core stage and two outboard solid rocket boosters. All SLS Blocks share a common core stage design, however their upper stages and boosters are different.
“NASA’s Space Launch System will be the most powerful rocket we’ve ever built. SLS will enable astronauts to begin their journey to explore destinations far into the solar system.” says NASA.
There was a test, known as “wet dress rehearsal”, on Monday, June 20. During the test, the teams were able to verify the timelines and procedures for launch. The test was focused on two primary objectives and several secondary objectives.
NASA managed to get through the test. But, a liquid hydrogen leak was detected when they were increasing pressure to condition the engines, which caused the simulated countdown to be cut short with 29 seconds left to go.
NASA officials were unsure whether they should run another test. However, on Thursday, they said that the data they’ve collected was enough so they can now proceed with the first-ever launch attempt of the SLS rocket.
“During the wet dress rehearsal activities, we have incrementally added to our knowledge about how the rocket and the ground systems work together, and our teams have become proficient in launch procedures across multiple sites. We have completed the rehearsal phase, and everything we’ve learned will help improve our ability to lift off during the target launch window,” said Tom Whitmeyer, deputy associate administrator for common exploration systems at NASA Headquarters. “The team is now ready to take the next step and prepare for launch.”
The SLS is a Space Shuttle-derived launch vehicle. The first stage of the rocket is powered by one central core stage and two outboard solid rocket boosters. All SLS Blocks share a common core stage design, however their upper stages and boosters are different.
“NASA’s Space Launch System will be the most powerful rocket we’ve ever built. SLS will enable astronauts to begin their journey to explore destinations far into the solar system.” says NASA.
There was a test, known as “wet dress rehearsal”, on Monday, June 20. During the test, the teams were able to verify the timelines and procedures for launch. The test was focused on two primary objectives and several secondary objectives.
NASA managed to get through the test. But, a liquid hydrogen leak was detected when they were increasing pressure to condition the engines, which caused the simulated countdown to be cut short with 29 seconds left to go.
NASA officials were unsure whether they should run another test. However, on Thursday, they said that the data they’ve collected was enough so they can now proceed with the first-ever launch attempt of the SLS rocket.
“During the wet dress rehearsal activities, we have incrementally added to our knowledge about how the rocket and the ground systems work together, and our teams have become proficient in launch procedures across multiple sites. We have completed the rehearsal phase, and everything we’ve learned will help improve our ability to lift off during the target launch window,” said Tom Whitmeyer, deputy associate administrator for common exploration systems at NASA Headquarters. “The team is now ready to take the next step and prepare for launch.”
