SLS Test Sees Thruster Burning for 550 Seconds [Video]

When NASA sends its astronauts to near-Earth objects (NEO) and the surface of Mars, it will do so using the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle and the Space Launch System. The latter, a heavy-lift rocket, will be powered by the J-2X engines, which recently passed an important review.

The thrusters, attached to a test stand at the NASA Stennis Space Center, in Mississippi, were made to burn for 550 seconds, which is roughly the amount of time they will need to operate when installed on the actual SLS. The procedure went on flawlessly, as the video above can confirm.

The test was carried out yesterday, July 13, and was witnessed by NASA engineers from several centers. The J-2X test article was installed on the SSC A-2 Test Stand, and was hooked up to a multitude of sensors that relayed telemetry data to flight controllers.

At this point, the SLS is scheduled to conduct its maiden flight in late 2017, at least 3 to 4 years after the first flight of the Orion. NASA needs to land astronauts on a NEO by 2025, and on the surface of Mars by the early 2030s, Space Fellowship reports.

Add me on Google+

Via: SLS Test Sees Thruster Burning for 550 Seconds [Video]