The space agency performed ground tests on its RS-25 engine which will one day fit on to its larger Space Launch System (SLS). The SLS is a megarocket which will be offering the “highest available payload mass, volume capability and energy to speed missions through space”, according to NASA. It will be fitted with the RS-25 engine which were part of the engines which successfully ferried astronauts to the moon as part of the Apollo missions.
The ground tests carried out at the Stennis Space Center on this morning saw NASA fire up the engines to monitor their performance.
Stennis Director Rick Gilbrech said: “This completes four years of focused work by an exceptional Stennis test team.
“It represents yet another chapter in Stennis’ long history of testing leadership and excellence in support of this nation’s space exploration efforts. Everyone involved should feel proud of their work and contributions.”
NASA chief Jim Bridenstine believe the first launch of SLS could happen next year, and it will hopefully go to the moon in 2024.
Mr Bridenstine said: “If we’re going to have boots on the moon by 2024, as the vice president indicated, which I believe we can achieve, we’re going to need SLS.
“We’re going to need to accelerate it and get as many of those technologies ready as soon as possible, and we’re going to need Exploration Upper Stage [EUS] as soon as possible.”
Not only will SLS take humans to the moon, but it will also blast the Orion spacecraft into deep space.
NASA said: “SLS is designed to be flexible and evolvable to meet a variety of crew and cargo mission needs for the journey to Mars.
“As the rocket evolves, its different configurations will provide scientists with options to transport large science instruments and technology demonstrations for exploring the universe as well as opportunities for small, affordable payloads not much larger than a shoebox as space is available when launching humans on Orion or carrying rovers and other equipment.”