Space Launch System Core Stage Model 'Sounds' Off for Testing
A
5-percent scale model of the Space Launch System (SLS) core stage fires
up for another round of acoustic testing at NASA's Marshall Space
Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala. SLS, NASA's new rocket, will be the
largest, most powerful rocket ever built for deep space missions. . The
SLS core stage,
towering more than 200 feet tall with a diameter of 27.6 feet, will
store cryogenic liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen that will feed the
vehicle’s RS-25 engines. . The acoustic tests, which began in January,
will show how powerful noise from the engines and boosters can impact
the rocket and crew, especially at liftoff. Data from the tests will
help verify the rocket's design and help develop an effective
suppression system to stifle the sound. . The current test series, which
began March 20, will be used to determine the noise reduction
capabilities of the water suppression system at NASA's Stennis Space
Center near Bay St. Louis, Miss. . The system will be used for core stage
"green run" testing. "Green run" testing ensures all stage and engine
parts have been exposed to flight-like environments prior to use on a
mission. Image Credit: NASA/MSFC/David Olive
No comments:
Post a Comment