NASA Tests the Engine That Will Propel the SLS to Mars

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration has been using its RS-25 engine for quite a while now, but as its Space Launch System is getting bigger and heavier, this incredible engine is going through a few changes as well. Not too long ago, NASA has tested its RS-25 engine at the Stennis Space Center in Mississippi, where it fired it up for 535 seconds in order to analyze its performance and to figure out what needs to be changed.

The RS-25 engine used to be the primary engine for the Space Shuttle a while back, and that says a lot about its power and reliability. The testing sessions will also allow NASA to collect valuable data, which will be used to design new software and a new engine controller for the massive rocket. The SLS will be used to launch the Orion spacecraft, which will perform a series of manned and unmanned deep space missions, including journeys to Mars. As long as no serious problems arise, the SLS will propel an unmanned capsule to space in 2018. The testing event was livestreamed, but just in case you missed it, you can always have a look below for a quick recap.

Miss the 535 sec RS-25 engine test? This engine will launch @NASA_SLS on our #JourneyToMars: http://t.co/RaLVxSgkNmhttps://t.co/YIljBQcQt1

— NASA (@NASA) August 13, 2015

Thank you Engadget for providing us with this information.