NASA has major feats for 2021, one of them is to launch Artemis I, the moon mission that is meant to show the Orion Space craft and Space Launch System, reportedly the rocket that should send humans to Mars. However, before such a journey begins, NASA still needs to go though hot fire tests. This month, NASA is set to make noise with the SLS Moon Megarocket for to finish the green test run.
According to CNET, the Space Launch System is set to blast its four impressive engines while they are grounded on the earth. The Green Run test is almost coming to an end as the SLRS rocket launches as part of the ending tests needed. According to the agency, the eighth and final part of the test series will make the hot fire SLS launch happen as soon as January 17.
NASA said in a statement released this week, "The upcoming hot fire test will fire all four of the stage's RS-25 engines simultaneously for up to eight minutes to simulate the core stage's performance during launch." The launch will seek to establish a clear path for NASA's Artemis Program.
The Artemis Program
The Artemis program, which aims to send humans to the moon by 2024. The Sun Co notes that the goal of the program is to explore the lunar surface more extensive than ever. NASA plans to collaborate with both international and commercial partners to sustain a more conducive research and development project by the end of the decade.
NASA highlights they will use the technology and discovery from the Artemis project to push forward their giant leap, which is to send astronauts to Mars.
NASA's SLS Moon Megarocket Test This Week
Various SLS tests have already been conducted, and people have seen these fiery tests run across the Utah desert last year. Now in January, the SLS Green Test run will happen at the Stennis Space Center in Mississippi.
People can definitely look forward to this event as one like no other, as its hit or miss might determine human's deeper exploration in the moon- and eventually, a journey to Mars.
The SLS Moon Test Journey
The SLS launch has gone through many stages of delay as numerous changes and improvements have occurred. This is due mainly to the high cost of every test that should be conducted and the preparation that NASA has to undergo before moving on to the test. However, it is at the core of NASA's plans to perform a successful run for the Green Run Test series in order to ensure that they can successfully send humans to the moon, and in the future to Mars.
The previous rehearsal for the Green test had various issues. According to NASA the test "marked the first time cryogenic, or super cold, liquid propellant was fully loaded into, and drained from, the SLS core stage's two immense tanks." However, NASA was able to correct the issue right away about the hot fire and timing.
Now more than ever, the current SLS run will better prepare the astronauts for their journey towards the Artemis Program.
See related article: Mars 2020: NASA Moves Rover Launch to July 30 Due to Carrier Rocket Issues
