SLS

The first SLS core stage, complete with four refurbished RS-25 engines

Space

Core stage of NASA’s first SLS Moon rocket gets its final engine

Engineers have mated the fourth and final Space Shuttle-era engine to the core stage of NASA’s first Space Launch System Moon rocket. NASA hopes to use the super heavy launch vehicle to return astronauts to the Moon before striking out for Mars.

Space

Boeing tapped to build 10 core stages for Artemis missions

NASA has awarded Boeing a contract to provide 10 more core stages for its Space Launch System, an agreement that also includes a provision for up to eight Exploration Upper Stages for Artemis missions three through 12.

The core stage being moved into position on the B-2 test stand

Space

NASA commits SLS booster rocket to "Green Run" static testing

NASA has decided to put a major component of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket through a “Green Run,” which will include an eight-minute engine burn, in the runup to the scheduled 2021 launch of the Artemis 1 lunar mission.

The Launch Abort System blasts into the sky above Florida atop the modified first stage of a Northrup Grumman-built Peacekeeper missile

Space

NASA tests emergency abort system for its future super heavy moon rocket

NASA has carried out another dramatic test of the emergency escape system for its upcoming Space Launch System (SLS). The Launch Abort System (LAS) sits at the very top of the rocket, and is tasked with forcefully pulling the crew out of harm’s way in the event of a life-threatening situation.

Artist's impression of a Block 1 SLS sitting on a launch pad

Space

Core stage of NASA’s Space Launch System Moon rocket moves closer to completion

Engineers at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans have now joined together four fifths of the Space Launch System’s core stage. The upcoming super heavy rocket is slated to make its maiden flight in 2020, and will provide the lifting capabilities for America’s return to the Moon.

The Skeletor microphone fronting a band made up of Spider and Steampunk guitars

3D Printing

3D-printed nylon microphone seeks heavy metal singer

Olaf Diegel of ODD Guitars has created a microphone that a player of his Spider guitar might use. The Skeletor that came out of the SLS machine is a perfect stylistic match for the voice of heavy metal himself, Ozzy Osbourne, or equally suited to the king of voodoo rock, Screaming Jay Hawkins.

NASA is conducting vibration tests on Orion's displays and a new couch system

Space

NASA puts the shakes on Orion astronauts

NASA engineers are getting a bit of a buffeting this month as they conduct manned vibration tests on various Orion capsule systems to simulate launch conditions.

NASA engineers adjust a 10 ft model of the SLS rocket prior to aerodynamic testing

Space

NASA goes old school with SLS aerodynamic testing

NASA is turning to a 56-year-old wind tunnel to put its next generation Space Launch System (SLS) rocket through its aerodynamic paces.

Artist's impression of the SLS core mockup

Space

NASA begins construction of SLS core stage mock-up

NASA has begun the process of constructing a mock-up of the vast core section of its planned Space Launch System (SLS) rocket. The simulated core will serve as a practice tool for NASA prior to the 2018 launch of the SLS.

Space

NASA completes critical design review for Kennedy Space Flight Center overhaul

NASA has completed its critical design review for the Ground Systems Development and Operations Program (GSDO). The proposed changes to the ground services at the Kennedy Space Flight Center, would prepare the site to host NASA's next-generation launch vehicle.

The SLS solid fuel booster pictured during its two-minute certification test (Photo: NASA)

Space

NASA test-fires massive solid fuel booster

NASA has successfully completed the first of two tests designed to certify the massive solid fuel boosters which will form a part of NASA's next generation Space Launch System (SLS). Once completed, SLS will represent the most powerful launch vehicle ever constructed.

The video shows Orion's view of its fiery re-entry and splashdown (Image: NASA)

Space

NASA releases video of Orion re-entry

Proving that not all the space spectaculars are on the big screen at Christmas, NASA has released video taken from inside the Orion spacecraft during its re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere earlier this month.