NASA's SLS Rocket Booster Ignites in Spectacular Test Ahead of Artemis Missions
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NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) rocket booster erupted in a fiery display during a recent ground test, marking a critical step in preparations for the agency's upcoming Artemis missions. The test, conducted at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, showcased the raw power of the SLS's solid rocket boosters, which will help propel the next generation of lunar explorers. The footage captured flames and exhaust plumes billowing from the booster, simulating conditions it will endure during launch. These boosters, each standing 177 feet tall, provide 75% of the thrust needed for the SLS to escape Earth's gravity. NASA engineers closely monitored performance metrics to ensure reliability for crewed missions. This test follows a series of evaluations aimed at certifying the boosters for Artemis III, which aims to land astronauts near the Moon's south pole by 2026. Similar tests were conducted earlier this year, with adjustments made to optimize performance. The SLS remains the backbone of NASA's deep-space exploration plans, designed to carry both crew and cargo farther than ever before. Additional reporting from Spaceflight Now confirms that NASA is also refining contingency protocols, ensuring safety for astronauts aboard the Orion capsule during ascent. With Artemis II's crewed lunar flyby scheduled for late 2025, each test brings humanity closer to a sustained presence on the Moon.
