About a minute after ignition, the engines suddenly stopped.
Three years from now, the time has come: NASA wants to deliver the next man and the first woman to the moon. The American astronauts will take to the skies on board the Orion spacecraft. In addition, NASA is working on a brand new launch system: the Space Launch System (SLS). This new monster rocket was tested last weekend. But that did not go entirely according to plan …
The plan
During the test, all four main engines were turned on simultaneously for the first time. Then they should have been functioning for a little over eight minutes. This is approximately the time it takes for the rocket to be sent into space after launch. The team counted down and successfully ignited the engines. But a minute later, the four engines suddenly stopped.
The four main engines that gave up after a minute. Image: NASA Television
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The team analyzed the data and found that an unforeseen malfunction had thrown a spanner in the works. Despite this ‘failed’ test, NASA is positive. “The fact that we have now lit all four engines simultaneously for the first time is a big milestone for the team,” said John Honeycutt on behalf of NASA. “We will now analyze the data further. And what we have learned from the test will help us set the right course. ”
Information collected
Although the finishing touches still need to be made, important data was nevertheless collected during the test. “The test was a vital step forward in ensuring that the SLS missile is ready for the Artemis mission and to transport the crew on future missions,” said NASA Chief Jim Bridenstine. “Although the engines have not worked all the time, the team has successfully counted down and ignited the engines. As a result, they have collected valuable data to progress. ”
More about SLS
The Space Launch System (SLS) is, as mentioned, the brand new launch system from NASA and also the largest launch vehicle ever developed. The monster rocket has the potential to send astronauts further into space than ever and enables manned missions to the moon, as well as asteroids and Mars. Astronauts are scheduled to be launched aboard the Orion spacecraft using SLS during the Artemis mission. Orion, the SLS and the upcoming Lunar Gateway will then form the backbone of NASA for further space exploration.
In the meantime, the team has already completed several tests. The first took place in January 2020, followed by seven more. In March, the team was forced to stop due to the coronavirus outbreak. Work was then resumed in May. Each test builds on the previous one, with increasing complexity to properly evaluate the advanced systems. The current ignition of the four main engines was the last test in the series that was still on the program.
Despite the fact that the test did not go entirely according to plan, the team does not look back on it dissatisfied. They now plan to subject the four main engines to a thorough inspection before determining the next steps. “We will learn from the outage that occurred, make any corrections, and move on,” concludes Rick Gilbrech of NASA.
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