Work underway on SSC's B-2

STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. -- NASA began work a week ago in preparation for testing the core stage of its new Space Launch System (SLS). One million pounds of structural steel is being added to the B-2 stand to handle the large SLS stage. A major step in the modification involves repositioning and extension of the test stand's Main Propulsion Test Article (MPTA) framework, which supports the rocket stage for testing. It was repositioned last summer, now it’s being heightened. The existing MPTA is 61 feet high and has 1.2 million pounds of fabricated steel. Three sections of structural steel will be hoisted in upcoming weeks and the MPTA will extend 100 feet higher – a new look to the SSC skyline. When testing begins, all four RS-25 will be tested simultaneously. NASA’s SLS is being developed to return humans to deep-space missions. (Source: Space Daily, 05/20/15) Boeing is building the core stage at Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. Related