NASA To Lift Off ‘most Powerful’ Space Launch System (SLS) Rocket

• NASA conducted a Green Run hot fire test for its massive Space Launch System (SLS) rocket which is set to be launched as early as Jan. 17.
• In the historic eight-part test campaign of the most powerful rocket ever built by the space administration, NASA ignited the liquid fuel engines in the core stage of the Space Launch System (SLS) without the solid fuel boosters ignition.
• The rocket will power the next-generation human Moon missions of NASA’s Artemis program.

What are the Key Features of Space Launch System?

• The Space Launch System is to carry the first woman and the next man to the moon.
• It is 98 metres tall. On the other hand, Saturn V that carried Astronauts to the moon in 1960s was 110 metre tall.
• It has capacity to carry more than twenty-seven tonnes.
• The Space Launch System is to be hauled into the Lower Earth Orbit.
• It has four RS-25 engines.

What is the use of Solid Rocket Booster in SLS?

• The Solid Rocket Boosters provide extra power to escape gravity clutches. These solid boosters provide 75% of the total thrust.
• They will burn six tonnes of Solid Rocket Booster every second.

Why is SLS the most powerful rocket?

• The SLS will generate 39.1 mega Newtons of thrust at launch. This is 15% more than Saturn V. This is the highest thrust level ever achieved.
• In 1960, Soviet Union built N1. N1 was built to reach moon. It could produce 45.4 mega Newtons of thrust. However, the N1 mission ended in failure.

What are the future high power rockets?

• The future version of SLS is called Block-2 cargo. It is expected that Block-2 of SLS will reach the thrust levels of N1.
• The vehicle called Starship being built by SpaceX is capable of producing 66.7 Mega Newtons of thrust. When launched, this will the most powerful rocket in the world.