NASA Invites Media to Hot Fire Test for Mega Rocket to Support Moon Missions

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The massive core stage for NASAs Space Launch System (SLS) rocket is in the B-2 Test Stand at NASAs Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, for the core stage Green Run test series. NASA and Boeing, the core stage lead contractor, installed the stage into the test stand in January 2020. The core stage Green Run test series is an important step toward safely launching SLS and NASA's Orion spacecraft beyond Earth's orbit forward to the Moon for the agencys Artemis program. The 212-foot-tall rocket stage -- the largest stage the agency has ever produced -- contains the cryogenic liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen tanks that will feed four RS-25 rocket engines, along with the vehicle's avionics and flight computers. The comprehensive test campaign will validate the core stage design and ensure its ready for the first and future Artemis missions to the Moon.

Credits: NASA

Media accreditation is now open for NASAs Space Launch System (SLS) rocket Green Run hot fire test the test of the rockets core stage and all of its integrated systems before its flight on the Artemis I lunar mission, scheduled for 2021. NASA is targeting early November for the test in the B-2 Test Stand at NASAs Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi.

The hot fire is the final in a series of eight tests that ensure the stages systems are functioning and ready for operation. The test replicates the launch by loading the propellants and allowing them to flow throughout the system as the four RS-25 engines fire simultaneously to demonstrate that the engines, tanks, fuel lines, valves, pressurization system, and software can all perform together just as they will on launch day.

Following the test, NASA will ship the core stage to the agencys Kennedy Space Center in Florida, where it will be assembled with the other parts of the Artemis I rocket and the Orion spacecraft.

Media accreditation deadlines for SLS Core Stage Green Run test are as follows:

• International media without U.S. citizenship must apply by 4p.m. EDT Friday, Oct. 2.
• U.S. media must apply by 4p.m. EDT Friday, Oct. 16.

All accreditation requests should be submitted online at:

https://media.ksc.nasa.gov

NASA continues to monitor the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation and will credential a limited number of media for access to Stennis Space Center in order to protect the health and safety of media and employees. International media based in the U.S. may apply. Due to COVID-19 safety restrictions at Stennis, all attendees will need to follow quarantine requirements.

NASA will follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, along with the agencys chief health and medical officer, and will immediately communicate any updates that may impact media access for the test.