By NASA
January 16, 2022
The SLS is an advanced, heavy-lift rocket that will provide an entirely new capability for science and human exploration beyond Earth’s orbit. Credit: NASA
Last week, engineers and technicians successfully completed an engineering test series of the Space Launch System (
This time-lapse shows one of four RS-25 engines for the Artemis I mission gimbaling inside the Vehicle Assembly Building as part of integrated testing ahead of launch. This engine flew on four Space Shuttle flights and has 11 starts and 4,955 seconds of run time. Credit: NASA
All four engine controllers were powered up and performed as expected as part of the Artemis I Core Stage engineering tests. Following the power up, engineers successfully performed diagnostic tests on each controller.
Up next, the team will conduct a second countdown sequencing test to demonstrate the ground launch software and ground launch sequencer, which checks for health and status of the vehicle while at the pad. The simulated launch countdown tests the responses from SLS and the Orion spacecraft, ensuring the sequencer can run without any issues. After the countdown test and final closeouts are complete, SLS and Orion will head to the launch pad for the first time to complete the wet dress rehearsal test.
