SLS - space launch system (3-я попытка)

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Chris B - NSF‏ @NASASpaceflight 44 сек. назад

Issue with the RS-25 test is only with the instrumentation. Working to resolve.

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Chris B - NSF‏ @NASASpaceflight 1 мин. назад

SCRUB RS-25 E0528 test scrubbed.

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Chris B - NSF‏ @NASASpaceflight 2 мин. назад

Still technically working on it, but some of it is past tense (per tuning in, etc.) I'm sure they'll tweet if it's a scrub for the day.

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Stennis Space Center‏Подлинная учетная запись @NASAStennis 4 мин. назад

Today's test is on hold. Engineers are working to get the engine to the right performance conditions for testing. We'll keep you updated.

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Stennis Space Center‏Подлинная учетная запись @NASAStennis 3 ч. назад

Today's RS-25 engine test was scrubbed due to a facility issue. No issues were reported with the engine, and the test will be rescheduled.

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NASA_SLS‏Подлинная учетная запись @NASA_SLS 3 ч назад

Media invited May 19 to view the #NASASLS engine section test article and test stand @NASA_Marshall. More: https://go.nasa.gov/2qAIC7Z .

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NASA_SLS‏Подлинная учетная запись @NASA_SLS 2 ч. назад

Today we're celebrating the arrival of the #NASASLS core stage engine section test article with local media at @NASA_Marshall!

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NASA Marshall‏Подлинная учетная запись @NASA_Marshall 36 мин. назад

#NASAMarshall employees celebrated the arrival of @NASA_SLS test hardware today! They got to see the engine section and test stand up close!

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Chris B - NSF‏ @NASASpaceflight 1 ч. назад

Remember that RS-25 test at Stennis that was scrubbed? Trying again, really shortly! NASA currently "StateOfNASA"-ing, thus no notification.

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Chris B - NSF‏ @NASASpaceflight 7 мин. назад

IGNITION! RS-25 is firing at Stennis. NASA confirms no live coverage.

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Chris B - NSF‏ @NASASpaceflight 1 мин. назад

RS-25 (E052 8 ) Static Fire complete! ARTICLE: https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2017/05/testing-controller-rs-25-hot-fire-test-sls-stennis/ ... - by Philip Sloss

https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2017/05/testing-controller-rs-25-hot-fire-test-sls-stennis/

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NASA's Space Launch System Engine Testing Heats Up
 

NASA Stennis

Опубликовано: 23 мая 2017 г.

NASA engineers successfully conducted the second in a series of RS-25 flight controller tests on May 23, 2017, for the world's most-powerful rocket. The 500-second test on the A-1 Test Stand at NASA's Stennis Space Center in Mississippi marked another milestone toward launch of NASA's new Space Launch System (SLS) rocket on its inaugural flight, the Exploration Mission-1 (EM-1). The SLS rocket, powered by four RS-25 engines, will provide 2 million pounds of thrust and work in conjunction with two solid rocket boosters. These are former space shuttle main engines, modified to perform at a higher level and with a new controller.

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https://www.nasa.gov/centers/stennis/images/2017/NASAs-Space-Launch-System-Engine-Testing-Heats-Up

May 24, 2017
 
NASA's Space Launch System Engine Testing Heats Up
 


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NASA engineers successfully conducted the second in a series of RS-25 flight controller tests on May 23, 2017, stepping closer to deep-space exploration with the world's most-powerful rocket. The test was set after a facility issue, subsequently resolved, forced rescheduling of a May 16 hot fire. The 500-second – more than eight full minutes – test on the A-1 Test Stand at NASA's Stennis Space Center in Mississippi marked another milestone toward launch of NASA's new Space Launch System (SLS) rocket on its inaugural flight, known as Exploration Mission-1 (EM-1). The SLS rocket, powered by four RS-25 engines firing simultaneously, will provide 2 million pounds of thrust and work in conjunction with a pair of solid rocket boosters. The RS-25 engines for the initial flight are former space shuttle main engines, modified to perform at a higher level and with a new controller. The controller is the key modification to the engines. The component is often cited as the RS-25 "brain" that allows communication between the engine and the rocket. Prior to a flight, engine performance specifications, such as percentage of thrust needed, are programed into the controller. The controller then communicates the specifications and ensures these are being met by monitoring and controlling such factors as propellant mixture ratio and thrust level. Stennis performed an earlier series of tests to gather data for development of the new controller, which is a collaborative effort of NASA, RS-25 prime contractor Aerojet Rocketdyne of Sacramento, Calif. and subcontractor Honeywell of Clearwater, Fla. The first flight controller was tested in March at Stennis for installation on one of the four EM-1 engines. Pending data review from the May 16 test, the second flight controller will be installed on SLS for EM-1. A third flight controller is scheduled for testing in July at Stennis. Tests are conducted by a team of NASA, Aerojet Rocketdyne and Syncom Space Services engineers and operators. Syncom Space Services is the prime contractor for Stennis facilities and operations. 
 
 
Last Updated: May 24, 2017
Editor: LaToya Dean

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https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2017/05/maf-push-sls-full-thrust/

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https://www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/sls/international-partners-provide-cubesats-for-sls-maiden-flight

May 26, 2016

International Partners Provide Science Satellites for America's Space Launch System Maiden Flight

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All 13 secondary payloads will be mounted inside the Space Launch System Orion Stage Adapter, which sits on top of the rocket, just below the Orion spacecraft. The main part of the ring-shaped adapter, shown here, was recently manufactured at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama.
Credits: NASA/MSFC image: Emmett Given


EQUULEUS (EQUilibriUm Lunar-Earth point 6U Spacecraft) will measure the distribution of plasma that surrounds the Earth to help scientists understand the radiation environment in the region of space around Earth. It will also demonstrate low-energy trajectory control techniques, such as multiple lunar flybys, within the Earth-Moon region.
Credits: JAXA/University of Tokyo


OMOTENASHI (Outstanding MOon exploration TEchnologies demonstrated by NAno Semi-Hard Impactor) demonstrate the technology for low-cost and very small spacecraft to land on the lunar surface. The CubeSat will also take measurements of the radiation environment near the moon as well as on the lunar surface.
Credits: JAXA/University of Tokyo


ArgoMoon will demonstrate the ability to perform operations in close proximity of the ICPS. It will also record images of the ICPS for historical documentation and to provide valuable mission data on the deployment of other Cubesats. Additionally, this CubeSat will test optical communication capabilities between the CubeSat and Earth.
Credits: Argotec

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NASA's new Space Launch System (SLS) will launch America into a new era of exploration to destinations beyond Earth's orbit. On its first flight, NASA will demonstrate the rocket's heavy-lift capability and send an uncrewed Orion spacecraft into deep space. The agency will also take advantage of additional available mass and space to provide the rare opportunity to send more than a dozen small satellites, called CubeSats, to conduct experiments beyond low-Earth orbit. In addition to the 10 CubeSats announced earlier this year, the agency will be sending three fr om international partners.

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"The first SLS launch presents a great opportunity to collaborate with our international partners by providing rides for CubeSats that can pursue independent science and technology missions while supporting our mutual goals for human exploration in deep space," said Steve Creech, acting manager of the Spacecraft and Payload Integration and Evolution Office, which handles integration of the secondary payloads at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, wh ere SLS is managed.

These small satellites are designed to be efficient and versatile—at no heavier than 30 pounds (14 kilograms), they are each about the size of a boot box, and do not require any extra power from the rocket to function. The science and technology experiments enabled by these small satellites may enhance our understanding of the deep space environment, expand our knowledge of the moon, and demonstrate technology that could open up possibilities for future missions.

For the first SLS flight, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and the University of Tokyo will jointly create and provide two CubeSats, EQUULEUS (EQUilibriUm Lunar-Earth point 6U Spacecraft) and OMOTENASHI (Outstanding MOon exploration TEchnologies demonstrated by NAno Semi-Hard Impactor). EQUULEUS will help scientists understand the radiation environment in the region of space around Earth by imaging Earth's plasmasphere and measuring the distribution of plasma that surrounds the planet. This opportunity may provide important insight for protecting both humans and electronics from radiation damage during long space journeys. It will also demonstrate low-energy trajectory control techniques, such as multiple lunar flybys, within the Earth-Moon region.

JAXA also will use the OMOTENASHI to demonstrate the technology for low-cost and very small spacecraft to explore the lunar surface. This technology could open up new possibilities for future missions to inexpensively investigate the surface of the moon. The CubeSat will also take measurements of the radiation environment near the moon as well as on the lunar surface.

"It is an exciting opportunity to go to the region of space near the moon with the Orion spacecraft on the historic first flight of SLS. In the near future, industry, academia, and even individuals will be able to, and should, easily participate in space exploration. To realize such a world, small and low cost spacecraft will be indispensable," said Dr. Hashimoto, Professor of JAXA who leads the JAXA two CubeSats development. "JAXA proposed two exploration CubeSats, using Japanese advanced technologies for small spacecraft and collaborating with the University of Tokyo. Considering the mass and size limitations, it is a big challenge, but it will be a valuable first step to the new era."

The Italian company Argotec is building the ArgoMoon CubeSat under the Italian Space Agency (ASI) internal review and approval process. ArgoMoon will demonstrate the ability to perform operations in close proximity of the Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (ICPS), which will send Orion onto its lunar trajectory. It should also record images of the ICPS for historical documentation and to provide valuable mission data on the deployment of other Cubesats. Additionally, this CubeSat should test optical communication capabilities between the CubeSat and Earth.

"ASI is excited to share in this endeavor through the involvement of an Italian CubeSat and to test such technology in a deep space environment, which is a first for this class of satellite," said Arturo De Lillis, Argomoon program manager.

The ArgoMoon CubeSat proposal was put forth by the European Space Agency (ESA) in coordination with its member state, Italy.

"This could be the first European cubesat to leave Earth orbit and we are looking forward to it capturing historic images of the first Orion mission," says David Parker, ESA Director of Human Spaceflight and Robotic Exploration.

All the CubeSats will ride to space inside the Orion Stage Adapter, which sits between the ICPS and Orion. The CubeSats will be deployed following Orion separation from the upper stage and once Orion is a safe distance away.

SLS will have the payload capacity needed to carry crew and cargo for deep space exploration missions, including the journey to Mars. These small satellites are essentially piggybacking on the SLS flight and gaining an affordable opportunity to reach deep space destinations. Currently, most launch opportunities for CubeSats are limited to low-Earth orbit, the destination of the majority of today's rockets. Although they may come in small packages, the science and technology investigations enabled by these Cubesats will help play a role in paving the way for future human exploration in deep space, including the journey to Mars.

Kathryn Hambleton
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1100
kathryn.hambleton@nasa.gov

Kim Henry
Marshall Space Flight Center
256-544-0034
kimberly.m.henry@nasa.gov

Tracy McMahan
Marshall Space Flight Center
256-544-0034
Tracy.McMahan@nasa.gov

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Last Updated: May 26, 2016
Editor: Jennifer Harbaugh

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https://www.nasa.gov/feature/nasa-celebrates-50th-anniversary-of-launch-complex-39b-prepares-for-next-mission

June 14, 2017

NASA Celebrates 50th Anniversary of Launch Complex 39B, Prepares for Next Mission


Launch Complex 39B current and past NASA and contractor workers gather to mark the 50th anniversary of pad B at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

By Linda Herridge
 NASA's John F. Kennedy Space Center

Launch pads built on a swamp. A humble beginning for the two pads, A and B, at Launch Complex 39 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. They were originally constructed in the 1960s as clean pads and served as a starting point for Apollo and our journey to the moon. Now, Launch Complex 39B will serve as the launch site for the agency's Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft on deep-space missions, including the journey to Mars.

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Pouring concrete at Launch Pad 39B on March 7, 1966. Photo credit: NASA

Time flies, and NASA is celebrating the 50th anniversary of pad B, the launch site for one Apollo/Saturn V launch, three Skylab missions using the Saturn 1B rocket, one Apollo-Soyuz Test Project mission that also used a Saturn 1B, and 53 space shuttle launches.

Construction of the pad began in December 1964 and was completed in April 1967.

To fill in and build up the area, hundreds of tons of sand was dredged fr om the Atlantic Ocean and pumped along a road to pad B. The behemoth structure of the pad required 68,000 cubic yards of concrete and 5,100 tons of reinforced steel.

Drawings of the original pad B were completed by Giffels and Rosetti Inc. of Detroit in October 1964. Construction of the complex was completed by George A. Fuller Co. in Los Angeles. Design and construction supervisors were the Canaveral District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The complex consisted of the launch pad, fuel and oxidizer facilities, environmental control system room, pad terminal connection room, camera stations, electrical equipment buildings, a water chiller facility, an emergency egress facility, and operations offices. The only major difference between Pads A and B is that Pad B sits seven feet higher (55 feet) above mean sea level.

The first launch from pad B was Apollo 10 on May 18, 1969. It also was the first use of the pad's water deluge system, used to cool the flame deflector in the flame trench after rocket ignition.

"It was a good feeling to see that launch," said Gene McDilda, who was a propellant mechanic with NASA and worked prelaunch testing. He watched the launch from the west side of the Vehicle Assembly Building. He worked at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and Kennedy for more than 40 years.


The Apollo-Soyuz Test Project (ASTP) Saturn 1B launch vehicle thundered away from Kennedy Space Center's Launch Complex 39B on July 15, 1975, at 3:50 p.m. Aboard the Apollo Command Module were ASTP astronauts Thomas Stafford, Vance Brand and Donald Slayton. Photo credit: NASA

Pad B was used to launch three of the four missions of the Skylab program. The crewed missions were Skylab 2 on May 25, 1973; Skylab 3 on July 28, 1973; and Skylab 4 on Nov. 16, 1973. The crewed Apollo-Soyuz Test Project mission launched from pad B on July 15, 1975.

Work to modify the pad for the Space Shuttle Program began in 1979. In October 1980, a $6.7-million contract was awarded to W&J Construction Corp. of Cocoa, Florida, to install the ground support equipment within the pad B complex. The work included installation of pipes and cable to carry fuels, fluids and air to the Fixed Service Structure and the Rotating Service Structure on the surface of the pad.

Additional work at the pad was completed by Saver Mechanical Inc. of Jacksonville, Florida, and the Holloway Corp. of Titusville. Modifications to accommodate space shuttles were completed in late 1985.

The pad was officially activated by "Buz" Brown, who was the site manager for ground support equipment with Martin Marietta from 1980 to 1984.

The first space shuttle launch from pad B was Challenger, on STS-51L, on Jan. 28, 1986. Pad 39B became the principle launch pad for the first Return to Flight mission lifting off on Sept. 29, 1988.

Bruce Simmons, with ERC on the Test and Operations Support Contract, is the flow manager for pad B. Simmons has worked at Kennedy Space Center for 38 years, most of it at pads A and B. His father, Albert Simmons, was on the construction crew for both pads, so there is a family history and connection for Simmons.

"I watched from near the KSC Press Site as Discovery lifted off from pad B on the return to flight mission, STS-26," Simmons said. "It was one of the launch team's proudest moments." (Note: space shuttle launches did not always launch in numerical order.)

Pad B was the liftoff site for STS-31 (carrying the Hubble Space Telescope) on April 18, 1990, and STS-61 (Hubble's first servicing mission) on Dec. 1, 1993. The first flight of Endeavour, on STS-49, on May 7, 1992, and John Glenn's return to space, on STS-95, on Oct. 29, 1998, also began from pad B.

Steve Bulloch is the NASA Pad Daily Operations manager. He joined NASA at Kennedy Space Center in 1989. Before that he worked for the Department of Defense during space shuttle Challenger recovery.

Bullock accompanied about 10 shuttles on ferry flights back to Kennedy. His first ferry flight was Endeavour's transport from Palmdale to Kennedy. He worked offload and onload at Edwards Air Force Base in California, wh ere 34 shuttle missions that originated from pad B glided to a stop.


Space shuttle Discovery cleared Launch Pad 39B at 2:19 p.m. EST on Oct. 29, 1998, as it lifted off on mission STS-95. Making his second voyage into space after 36 years was payload specialist John H. Glenn Jr., then senator from Ohio. Other crew members were mission commander Curtis L. Brown Jr., pilot Steven W. Lindsay, payload specialist Chiaki Mukai, with the National Space Development Agency of Japan, mission specialist Stephen K. Robinson, mission specialist Pedro Duque of Spain, representing the European Space Agency, and mission specialist Scott E. Parazynski. Photo credit: NASA

"I worked in operations around the center," Bulloch said. "Then, in 1996, I began working in pad operations. When I had the opportunity to do some shuttle landing recovery work, I jumped at the chance."

Space shuttle Discovery's STS-116 mission was the final liftoff from pad B, on Dec. 8, 2006. Afterward, the pad was modified to handle the launch of NASA's Ares 1-X rocket on a test flight Oct. 28, 2009. New lightning towers were constructed and installed around the pad in 2009.

In 2011, after the final space shuttle mission, STS-135, launched from pad A, dismantling of the fixed service structure and rotating service structure began on pad B to create a clean pad capable of handling a variety of launch vehicles. Old wiring was removed. The hypergolic propellants and fluids were drained. The pipes that carried these commodities were opened and safed, and the pad was officially turned over to the United Space Alliance demolition team.

The orbiter access arm and gaseous oxygen arm were preserved and are now on display with space shuttle Atlantis at nearby Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

As NASA prepares for the first flight of the Orion spacecraft atop the SLS rocket, modifications to pad B are underway. These include new communications and wiring system; replacement of the Environmental Control System; new heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems; and replacement of various water system pipes within the pad perimeter. Installation of new ignition overpressure/sound suppression bypass valves at the valve complex; reinforcement and replacement of the pad surface crawlerway; and refurbishment of the pad's cryogenic propellant storage spheres also are underway.

In the flame trench, construction workers have installed all of the heat-resistant bricks, in three different sizes, to the walls using bonding mortar in combination with adhesive anchors. The flame trench will be able to withstand temperatures of up to 2000 degrees Fahrenheit at launch of the rocket's engines and solid rocket boosters. A new flame deflector will divert the rocket's exhaust, pressure and heat to the north side of the flame trench.

Two side flame deflectors, repurposed from space shuttle launches, are being refurbished and will be reinstalled at pad level on either side of the flame trench to help reduce damage to the pad and the SLS rocket.

"We are now part of the multi-user spaceport," Bulloch said. "It's a big change from being the single user for so many years."

The area at and around the pad is now protected wetlands. NASA shares a boundary with the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and conducts environmental studies periodically inside and outside the pad fence boundary.

"It's always been about being able to conduct highly technical operations without harming the environment," Bulloch said.

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Last Updated: June 15, 2017
Editor: Linda Herridge

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Aerojet Rocketdyne‏ @AerojetRdyne 17 ч. назад

Have you seen the mighty RS-25 @ #NASAinthePark yet? #GoForMars #SLSFiredUp

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https://www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/sls/core-stage-production-continues-for-rockets-first-flight

June 23, 2017

SLS Core Stage Production Continues for Rocket's First Flight

Throughout NASA's 43-acre rocket factory, the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, engineers are building all five parts of the Space Launch System's core stage. For the first SLS flight for deep space exploration with NASA's Orion spacecraft, major structural manufacturing is complete on three parts: the forward skirt, the intertank and the engine section. Test articles, which are structurally similar to flight hardware, and are used to qualify the core stage for flight, are in various stages of production and testing.

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NASA cleared the dome, shown here being removed fr om the infeeder tool, for use as intended as the bottom dome of the liquid oxygen tank structural test article being welded in the Vertical Assembly Center, right. The dome sustained minor damage during operations May 3, 2017. The investigation team is currently wrapping up their investigation of the mishap and will prepare recommendations to the SLS program.
Credits: NASA/MSFC Michoud image: Judy Guidry
View Image Feature

"One of the most challenging parts of building the world's most powerful rocket has been making the largest rocket stage ever manufactured for the first time," said Steve Doering, the SLS stages manager at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. "The 212-foot-tall core stage is a new design made with innovative welding tools and techniques."

To build the rocket's fuel tanks, Boeing, the prime contractor for the SLS core stage, is joining some of the thickest parts ever built with self-reacting friction stir welding. NASA and Boeing engineers and materials scientists have scrutinized the weld confidence articles and developed new weld parameters for making the liquid oxygen and hydrogen tanks for the first SLS mission.

Resuming Welding in the Vertical Assembly Center

The Vertical Assembly Center, the large robotic tool where core stage parts are welded to form major structures, is expected to resume manufacturing next week. NASA halted production in early May after a liquid oxygen tank dome was inadvertently damaged during pre-weld preparations on the infeeder tool. This equipment is what positions the large dome for welding, or feeds it into the tank.


NASA and Boeing have cleared the dome, shown here, for use as the bottom of dome of a SLS liquid oxygen tank structural test article. After the dome is welded to the rest of the test article in the Vertical Assembly Center, right, it will undergo inspection and processing before being shipped fr om the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans to NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, for structural testing.
Credits: NASA/MSFC Michoud image: Judy Guidry
View Image Feature

While the mishap investigation is still wrapping up, NASA and Boeing fully inspected the impacted dome and found while the hardware sustained minor damage, it is usable for its original purpose as part of a structural test article. The infeeder tool did sustain some damage during the incident and repairs to the tool are complete. Welding is resuming to finish construction of the liquid oxygen test article by adding the aft, or bottom, dome. Upon completion, the tank will undergo inspection for any flaws, final processing and proof testing.

In another area of the factory, domes and segments for the flight liquid oxygen tank await their turn to be joined on the VAC, and Boeing is now completing welding domes and barrels that will make up the liquid hydrogen tank for flight. Recently, major structural construction was completed on flight hardware for the one part of the core stage structure not welded. The intertank walls are too thick to be welded, so its eight panels are connected with 7,500 bolts. The walls have to be extremely strong because of the force it feels fr om the solid rocket boosters attached to it. To complete assembly on the inside of the core stage, the team is outfitting the intertank along with the flight forward skirt and the engine section structures, with avionics, wire harnesses, tubing, sensors, and propulsion systems.


Engineers assembled the structure of the intertank that will be flown on the first Space Launch System integrated flight with Orion. The intertank, one of five parts of the 212-foot core stage being built and assembled at NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, is on its way to undergo the application of thermal protection systems. The intertank is the only major structural part of the core stage that is not welded. It is made of eight large panels which are connected with 7,500 bolts. The 22-foot-tall structure carries most of the massive launch load produced by the solid rocket boosters that separate from the core stage about two minutes after launch.
Credits: NASA/MSFC Michoud image: Judy Guidry
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The Space Launch System intertank, shown here moving down the factory floor, finished structural assembly at NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. Technicians moved it to an area wh ere it will be coated with a thermal protection system. The yellow object, left back, is the engine section of the core stage, which also completed structural assembly and is being outfitted with propulsion system hardware that will feed fuel to the four RS-25 engines on the first SLS mission.
Credits: NASA/MSFC Michoud image: Judy Guidry
View Image Feature

Preparing Hardware for Testing

NASA and Boeing continue to prepare existing hardware for tests to help ensure success of the first SLS flight and crew safety on future missions. Before the tanks are hooked up to feed propellant to the four RS-25 engines or through a test stand propellant system, the tanks have to be cleaned to avoid any contamination. Though the liquid hydrogen structural test article is not fueled, the tank has recently been moved to the cleaning cell to certify the process ahead of the flight tank. 


More than 500,000 gallons of fuel will flow from the liquid hydrogen tank to the four RS-25 engines that power NASA's Space Launch System rocket. During flight, and even during testing, a tank's insides must be clean to ensure contaminants do not find their way into complex propulsion and engine systems. Technicians recently lifted the liquid hydrogen tank structural qualification test article into a cleaning cell at NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans wh ere its insides will be thoroughly cleaned, coated and dried to certify the process for the following flight article.
Credits: NASA/MSFC Michoud image: Judy Guidry
View Image Feature


The bottom of a Space Launch System liquid hydrogen fuel tank test article is visible as it is lowered into a cleaning cell at NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans wh ere the tank was manufactured. Technicians will clean the inside of the tank to remove any potential contaminants.
Credits: NASA/MSFC Michoud image: Judy Guidry
View Image Feature

The first structural test article for SLS, an engine section which is similar to the flight article located at the bottom of the rocket's core stage, is being installed on a test stand at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. Hydraulic cylinders will push, pull, twist and bend the engine test article to validate the design and ensure it can withstand the pressure expected during launch and ascent.

"We are conducting the largest NASA launch vehicle test campaign since space shuttle development," said John Honeycutt, the SLS program manager at Marshall. "The team is focused on delivering hardware to the pad for the first launch. We just completed integrated structural testing for the stage that will send Orion out beyond the moon on the first flight. Now, we'll be putting the core stage parts through the paces to gain an in-depth understanding of the rocket we are building for the first time as we expose parts of it to the extreme conditions of spaceflight."

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Last Updated: June 23, 2017
Editor: Jennifer Harbaugh

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GSDO Program‏ @NASA_go4launch 13 ч. назад

#MotivationMonday Hard work pays off! A look back at the completion of the new #VAB access platforms to build & test @NASA_SLS & @NASA_Orion

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