NASA is set to conduct a second hot-fire test of its powerful SLS super-heavy launch vehicle later this month. The Artemis I mission remains on track for a November launch, even with a demanding timeline.
On January 16, NASA ignited the four RS-25 main engines on the SLS core stage at Stennis Space Center. Designed to simulate the full ascent burn, the test was slated for approximately eight minutes. However, about 50 seconds in, the fourth engine experienced a major component failure and shut down after 67 seconds.
Since the anomaly, teams from NASA, prime contractor Boeing, and engine provider Aerojet Rocketdyne have pored over the data to pinpoint the issue. A key decision was whether another test was needed before the uncrewed Artemis I flight, which will send the Orion capsule around the Moon and back.
The answer: yes. Agency officials confirmed on Friday that a second hot-fire test will occur at the end of February. The core stage hardware—including the RS-25 engines and B-2 test stand—remains in excellent condition, with no major repairs required.
"While preparing for the next test, the team will continue analyzing first-test data, dry and refurbish the SLS engines, perform minor repairs on the thermal protection system, and update the conservative control logic that caused the early shutdown," NASA stated.
This follow-up test, targeting at least four minutes of burn time, will yield critical data to certify the core stage. Afterward, the team will spend about a month refurbishing the hardware to like-new condition before shipping it to Kennedy Space Center in Florida for stacking with the upper stage and Orion capsule.
