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

Anthony Wood July 2, 2019

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.

The Launch Abort System blasts into the sky above Florida atop the modified first stage of ...

Space Audio available

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

Anthony Wood June 4, 2019

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.

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

3D Printing

3D-printed nylon microphone seeks heavy metal singer

Paul Ridden July 20, 2017

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.

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

Space

NASA puts the shakes on Orion astronauts

David Szondy January 24, 2017

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

Space

NASA goes old school with SLS aerodynamic testing

Anthony Wood January 4, 2017

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

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

Space

NASA begins construction of SLS core stage mock-up

Anthony Wood February 12, 2016

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.

Artist's impression of the SLS core mockup

Space

NASA completes critical design review for Kennedy Space Flight Center overhaul

Anthony Wood December 14, 2015

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.

Space

NASA test-fires massive solid fuel booster

Anthony Wood March 11, 2015

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

Space

NASA releases video of Orion re-entry

David Szondy December 21, 2014

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.

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

3D Printing

Marshall Space Flight Center: A tour through NASA's hidden gem

Randall Marsh November 19, 2014

It may not get the same attention as the Kennedy Space Center or the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, but Marshall Space Flight Center, in Huntsville, Alabama, is responsible for developing much of the complex inner-workings of rockets, satellites, and future technologies.

U.S. communication with the International Space Station happens from this room at NASA's Marshall Space Flight ...