RS-25 puts pedal to metal

STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Fla. – A Space Launch System RS-25 engine had a 535-second test today at NASA's South Mississippi test facility. During the test, operators ran the engine through a series of power levels, including a period of firing at 109 percent of the engine's rated power. Data collected at various power levels will aid in adapting the former space shuttle engines to the new SLS vehicle, including development of an all-new engine controller and software. Two additional tests are planned before September in the current test series. Four RS-25 engines will power the SLS core stage during launch. The SLS will take astronauts further into space than ever before. (Source: NASA, 07/17/15)