The rocket drive of the Space Launch System (SLS) has been re-tested as part of the preparations for the Artemis i mission of NASA – and now successful. After the four RS-25 missile actuators had switched off prematurely at the previous test in January, the complete rocket start of eight minutes could now be simulated.
The engines are worked up in the next step and then installed in Florida in the Mondracket Artemis I. Whose start is still planned for the current state of November 2021.
The rocket engine of the SLS with its four RS-25 drives was tested again in the Stennis Space Center in the state of Mississippi. In the "Hot Fire" Designated test fired all four engines for eight minutes and 19 seconds. This is the time for the start of the SLS and until the rocket reaches the universe. The mobility of the individual engines for controlling the rocket and scratching elevations were also simulated.
Second hot-fire test successful
In mid-January, the rocket drive has turned off prematurely for the new NASA mission at the first test. Also then the test was designed for eight minutes, but the four RS-25 missile actuators switched off after just over a minute. Shortly thereafter, the NASA that the SLS missile drive switched off for caution. A first analysis made the steering of the rocket engines responsible for the demolition.
On the other hand, the new Hot Fire test was successful and even long than required. Previously, NASA had a minimum term of four minutes to collect all necessary data. Now the NASA is much more data for analysis. The drive of the SLS is according to own information the so-big rocket engine of NASA.
Decision on Moon Mission Artemis I in short
The rocket engine is worked up as a nasty and uhallt before it is brought on the way to the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Then it is prepared together with solid rackets and other parts such as the reusable room capsule Orion for the moon mission Artemis I. This is first unmanned, but Orion can also transport people.
Whether Artemis I can start originally planned in November, according to NASA interim leader Steve Jurczyk will be decided in the next few weeks SpacePolicyOnline.com reported. A shift is possible. Jurczyk is optimistic about Artemis II, the first manned space flight with the SLS in 2023. In 2024 Artemis III should bring people to the moon – for the first time since 1972. However, NASA has confirmed in February that there will be no moon landing 2024. Budget.