Nasa's 'megarocket' set to fire up engines

[Still Waters 52,557]

The four main engines of Nasa's new "megarocket" are to be fired in unison for the first time, demonstrating the launcher's raw, explosive power.

The Space Launch System (SLS) is part of the agency's Artemis programme, which aims to put Americans back on the lunar surface in a few years.

The engine "hotfire" is the last in a series of tests known as the Green Run.

It will help Nasa certify the rocket for its maiden flight, scheduled to take place later this year.

When it completes that flight, the SLS will become the most powerful rocket ever to have flown to space.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-54583588

[L.A.T.1961 1,959]

I shall tune in latter to watch this test, the engines will be used on the moon test flight mission so its quite a big event.

[L.A.T.1961 1,959]

Test currently on a hold. 

[L.A.T.1961 1,959]

Early shut down, something went wrong.   

[khol 2,539]

gotta go darn it...wanted to catch that

Really looking forward to this mission. I was captivated as a youngster watching Apollo 11 in 69. As we watched on our little b/w television my father took us out back and we gazed up at the moon. There are people up there right now he said to us. I was just amazed at this and just stood there looking up. I was only six but still remember it clear as day...now if I can only remember where I put my bloody glasses an hr ago lol

[toast 17,171]

Just for information: during the 60 second test run the four RS25 engines consumed approx. 90k gallones of propellant. (Holy **ht!)

Edited January 17 by toast

[Jon the frog 2,431]

Wow , i would be glad to see it fly this year ! 

[Eldorado 57,563]

NASA’s moon rocket test Saturday didn’t go as planned

The team successfully completed the countdown and ignited the engines, but the engines shut down a little more than one minute into the hot fire. Teams are assessing the data to determine what caused the early shutdown, and will determine a path forward.

earthsky

[Still Waters 52,557]

SLS: Nasa finds cause of 'megarocket' test shutdown

An issue with hydraulic systems led to the premature shutdown of a key test for Nasa's new "megarocket".

Officials said the way components had been set up to respond in the test was "a little conservative" and that this led to the early stop.

Contrary to earlier concerns, there was no sign of damage to the huge core stage of the Space Launch System (SLS).

Nasa is still undecided about whether it will try to re-run the test, or ship the 65m-long vehicle section to Florida's Kennedy Space Center (KSC), where it will be prepared for its maiden flight.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-55727686