Two B-2 upgrades nearly done

STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. -- NASA is nearing completion on two major structural restoration construction packages for the B-2 Test Stand that will be used to test the core stage of NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS). SLS will carry astronauts deeper into space than ever before. Beginning in 2016 the core stage, powered by four RS-25 engines, will be tested on the B-2 stand. The SLS stage is 50 percent longer than the Saturn stages previously tested on B-2, so the main derrick crane atop the stand had to be upgraded. That work will be done this month. Work package No. 2, replacement of fixed and movable platforms, will be done in July. Packages 3 and 4 both are scheduled to be finished in 2015. (Source: NASA, 05/15/14)