SLS avionics see first light

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. -- The avionics system that will guide NASA's Space Launch System, the most powerful rocket ever built, has seen the light. The flight software and avionics for SLS were integrated and powered for testing Thursday at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville as part of a milestone known as first light. It enables early integration and testing of avionics and software to help NASA perfect the system and ensure the units communicate together as designed. Avionics tell the rocket where it should fly and how it should pivot its engines to stay on course. (Source: NASA, 01/09/14) Gulf Coast note: Stennis Space Center, Miss., tests engines for the SLS; Michoud Assembly Facility, New Orleans, is building portions of the SLS.