NASA is testing the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket’s 212-foot tall core stage- the tallest rocket stage the agency has ever built- with a Green Run test on Earth before launch day. The core stage design will be used for all configurations of the SLS rocket, and the series of eight tests will verify the stage is ready for the first and future Artemis lunar missions.

On this episode, Beth speaks with Doug Bradley, RS-25 Deputy Program Manager at Aerojet Rocketdyne, Yassaman Liaghati from Boeing, Tyler Nester, SLS Chief of Staff at NASA MSFC, and Maury Vander, from NASA Stennis to discuss this exciting milestone! 

The last test is a hot fire test with all four of the stage’s RS-25 engines firing, just as they will during the Artemis I launch. After the firing test at NASA’s Stennis Space Center, the stage will be assembled with the other parts of the rocket and the Orion spacecraft, in preparation for the first integrated flight of SLS and Orion on Artemis I.

What IS the Artemis Green Run Test? Start here with this video: https://www.nasa.gov/artemisprogram/greenrun

Green Run Overview: https://www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/sls/sls-core-stage-green-run-tests-critical-systems-for-artemis-I.html

 

Most Recent Completed Test (Test 5) 

• https://www.nasa.gov/feature/engineers-complete-5th-green-run-test-of-space-launch-system-core-stage
• http://www.boeing.com/features/2020/09/engine-eering-artemis-i-sls-core-stage-completes-green-run-test-5.page