Question: NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket is being developed and tested by the agency for which of the following near future mission?
a) Mars mission
b) Moon mission
c) Jupiter mission
d) Venus mission
Answer: (b)
Related Facts:-
- On 17 January 2021; NASA conducted a hot fire test of the core stage for the agency’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket.
- It should be known that SLS will be used to launch the Artemis I mission to the Moon this year.
- The hot fire is the final test of the Green Run series of Space (SLS) rocket of NASA.
- The test plan called for the rocket’s four RS-25 engines to fire for a little more than eight minutes, it is the same amount of time it will take to send the rocket to space following launch.
- The team successfully completed the countdown on the B-2 test stand at NASA’s John C Stennis Space Center in Mississippi; the rocket’s all four RS-25 engines simultaneously ignited.
- All gone well in the initial moments, but the engines shut down by the computer a little more than one minute into the hot fire.
- Teams are assessing the data to determine what caused the early shutdown, and will determine a path forward.
- In this test, the 212-foot core stage generated 1.6 million pounds of thrust,
- The hot fire test included loading 733,000 pounds of liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen – mirroring the launch countdown procedure – and igniting the engines.
- According to NASA’s Administrator Jim Bridenstine this test was an important step forward to ensure that the core stage of the SLS rocket is ready for the Artemis I mission, and to carry crew on future missions.
- Although the engines did not fire for the full duration, the team successfully worked through the countdown, ignited the engines, and gained valuable data to inform our path forward.
- Mr. Bridenstine stated that if the issue turns out to be minimal, its possible another hot fire isn’t needed.
By – Rajesh Tripathi
Links:-
https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-conducts-test-of-sls-rocket-core-stage-for-artemis-i-moon-mission
https://www.spaceflightinsider.com/organizations/nasa/hot-fire-test-of-nasas-sls-rocket-ends-prematurely-placing-2021-launch-date-into-question/