
On Jan. 21-22, 2020, crews at Stennis Space Center lifted and installed the first core stage of NASA’s new Space Launch System (SLS) rocket onto the B-2 Test Stand. In upcoming months, a top-to-bottom, integrated series of Green Run tests will be conducted on the stage and its sophisticated systems. Following testing, the stage will be used to help launch the maiden Artemis I test mission of SLS and the Orion spacecraft. Through the Artemis program, NASA will send humans, including the first woman and next man, to the Moon to establish a sustainable presence.

The first core stage of NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, loaded onto the agency’s Pegasus barge, departs Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, headed to Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The departure of the core stage in mid-April 2021 followed completion of a Green Run test series of the stage systems in preparation for its launch on the Artemis I mission. The Green Run series concluded with a March 18 hot fire of the stage’s four RS-25 engines on the B-2 Test Stand at Stennis, just as during an actual launch. Following refurbishment work, the stage was removed from the B-2 stand and loaded onto the Pegasus barge for transport. Once at Kennedy, the will be integrated with the rest of SLS rocket and prepared for the launch of the Artemis I mission to the Moon. Photo Credit: NASA

Following a successful Green Run hot fire at NASA’s Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, on March 18, members of a blended team work April 19-20 to remove the first core stage of the agency’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket from the B-2 Test Stand. The work required crews to lift the core stage from its vertical placement in the stand and lower it to a horizontal position on the B-2 Test Stand tarmac. The stage now will be loaded on NASA’s Pegasus barge for transport to Kennedy, where it will be prepared for launch of the Artemis I mission. Removal of the largest rocket stage ever built by NASA followed completion of a series of eight Green Run tests over the past year. During the Green Run series, teams performed a comprehensive test of the stand’s sophisticated and integrated systems. Photo Credit: NASA

The core stage for the first flight of NASA’s Space Launch System rocket is seen in the B-2 Test Stand during a second hot fire test, Thursday, March 18, 2021, at NASA’s Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. The four RS-25 engines fired for the full-duration of 8 minutes during the test and generated 1.6 million pounds of thrust. The hot fire test is the final stage of the Green Run test series, a comprehensive assessment of the Space Launch System’s core stage prior to launching the Artemis I mission to the Moon. Photo Credit: (NASA/Robert Markowitz)

NASA conducts a hot fire test March 18, 2021, of the core stage for the agency’s Space Launch System rocket on the B-2 Test Stand at Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. The hot fire test of the stage’s four RS-25 engines generated a combined 1.6 million pounds of thrust, just as will occur during an actual launch. The hot fire is the final test of the Green Run test series, which represents a comprehensive assessment of the core stage and its integrated systems prior to its launch on the Artemis I mission to the Moon.

Invited guests watch as the core stage for the first flight of NASA’s Space Launch System rocket undergoes a second hot fire test in the B-2 Test Stand, Thursday, March 18, 2021, at NASA’s Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. The four RS-25 engines fired for the full-duration of 8 minutes during the test and generated 1.6 million pounds of thrust. The hot fire test is the final stage of the Green Run test series, a comprehensive assessment of the Space Launch System’s core stage prior to launching the Artemis I mission to the Moon. Photo Credit: (NASA/Robert Markowitz)

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine discusses the fiscal year 2021 budget proposal during a State of NASA address, Monday, Feb. 10, 2020, at Aerojet Rocketdyne’s facility at NASA’s Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Team members at NASA’s Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, complete refurbishment work on the first core stage of the agency’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket. The work followed a successful hot fire of the stage and its four RS-25 engines March 18. The hot fire marked the culmination of a yearlong Green Run series of tests of the stage and its integrated systems. Following refurbishment work, the core stage will be removed from the test stand and transported to Kennedy Space Center in Florida, aboard NASA’s Pegasus barge, shown delivering equipment to the B-2 Test Stand. At Kennedy, the core stage will be integrated with the rest of SLS rocket and prepared for the launch of the Artemis I mission to the Moon. Photo Credit: NASA

On Jan. 21-22, 2020, crews at Stennis Space Center lifted and installed the first core stage of NASA’s new Space Launch System (SLS) rocket onto the B-2 Test Stand. In upcoming months, a top-to-bottom, integrated series of Green Run tests will be conducted on the stage and its sophisticated systems. Following testing, the stage will be used to help launch the maiden Artemis I test mission of SLS and the Orion spacecraft. Through the Artemis program, NASA will send humans, including the first woman and next man, to the Moon to establish a sustainable presence.

Following a successful Green Run hot fire at NASA’s Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, on March 18, members of a blended team work April 19-20 to remove the first core stage of the agency’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket from the B-2 Test Stand. The work required crews to lift the core stage from its vertical placement in the stand and lower it to a horizontal position on the B-2 Test Stand tarmac. The stage now will be loaded on NASA’s Pegasus barge for transport to Kennedy, where it will be prepared for launch of the Artemis I mission. Removal of the largest rocket stage ever built by NASA followed completion of a series of eight Green Run tests over the past year. During the Green Run series, teams performed a comprehensive test of the stand’s sophisticated and integrated systems. Photo Credit: NASA

NASA guests gather to watch as the core stage for the first flight of NASA's Space Launch System rocket undergoes a scheduled eight minute duration hot fire test in the B-2 Test Stand, January 16, 2021, at NASA's Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. The four RS-25 engines fired for a little more than one minute and generated 1.6 million pounds of thrust. The hot fire is the final test of the Green Run test series, a comprehensive assessment of the Space Launch System’s core stage prior to launching the Artemis I mission to the Moon. Photo Credit: (NASA/Robert Markowitz)

Acting NASA Administrator Steve Jurczyk, left, and Rick Gilbrech, director of NASA's Stennis Space Center, right, high five following a second hot fire test of the core stage for the first flight of NASA’s Space Launch System rocket in the B-2 Test Stand, Thursday, March 18, 2021, at NASA’s Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. The four RS-25 engines fired for the full-duration of 8 minutes during the test and generated 1.6 million pounds of thrust. The hot fire test is the final stage of the Green Run test series, a comprehensive assessment of the Space Launch System’s core stage prior to launching the Artemis I mission to the Moon. Photo Credit: (NASA/Robert Markowitz)

The first core stage of NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, loaded onto the agency’s Pegasus barge, departs Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, headed to Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The departure of the core stage in mid-April 2021 followed completion of a Green Run test series of the stage systems in preparation for its launch on the Artemis I mission. The Green Run series concluded with a March 18 hot fire of the stage’s four RS-25 engines on the B-2 Test Stand at Stennis, just as during an actual launch. Following refurbishment work, the stage was removed from the B-2 stand and loaded onto the Pegasus barge for transport. Once at Kennedy, the will be integrated with the rest of SLS rocket and prepared for the launch of the Artemis I mission to the Moon. Photo Credit: NASA

The first core stage of NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, loaded onto the agency’s Pegasus barge, departs Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, headed to Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The departure of the core stage in mid-April 2021 followed completion of a Green Run test series of the stage systems in preparation for its launch on the Artemis I mission. The Green Run series concluded with a March 18 hot fire of the stage’s four RS-25 engines on the B-2 Test Stand at Stennis, just as during an actual launch. Following refurbishment work, the stage was removed from the B-2 stand and loaded onto the Pegasus barge for transport. Once at Kennedy, the will be integrated with the rest of SLS rocket and prepared for the launch of the Artemis I mission to the Moon. Photo Credit: NASA

On Jan. 21-22, 2020, crews at Stennis Space Center lifted and installed the first core stage of NASA’s new Space Launch System (SLS) rocket onto the B-2 Test Stand. In upcoming months, a top-to-bottom, integrated series of Green Run tests will be conducted on the stage and its sophisticated systems. Following testing, the stage will be used to help launch the maiden Artemis I test mission of SLS and the Orion spacecraft. Through the Artemis program, NASA will send humans, including the first woman and next man, to the Moon to establish a sustainable presence.

NASA leaders participated in a virtual press briefing following the Space Launch System core stage hot fire test at Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, on March 18. The leaders fielded questions submitted by offsite media during the post-test session. Agency participants present at Stennis included John Honeycutt, SLS Program manager at Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama.

The first core stage of NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, loaded onto the agency’s Pegasus barge, departs Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, headed to Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The departure of the core stage in mid-April 2021 followed completion of a Green Run test series of the stage systems in preparation for its launch on the Artemis I mission. The Green Run series concluded with a March 18 hot fire of the stage’s four RS-25 engines on the B-2 Test Stand at Stennis, just as during an actual launch. Following refurbishment work, the stage was removed from the B-2 stand and loaded onto the Pegasus barge for transport. Once at Kennedy, the will be integrated with the rest of SLS rocket and prepared for the launch of the Artemis I mission to the Moon. Photo Credit: NASA

On Jan. 21-22, 2020, crews at Stennis Space Center lifted and installed the first core stage of NASA’s new Space Launch System (SLS) rocket onto the B-2 Test Stand. In upcoming months, a top-to-bottom, integrated series of Green Run tests will be conducted on the stage and its sophisticated systems. Following testing, the stage will be used to help launch the maiden Artemis I test mission of SLS and the Orion spacecraft. Through the Artemis program, NASA will send humans, including the first woman and next man, to the Moon to establish a sustainable presence.

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine looks up at the first core stage of the agency’s Space Launch System rocket during a tour of the B-2 Test Stand Monday, Feb. 10, 2020, at NASA’s Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. Over the coming months, the first core stage of the SLS rocket will be undergoing a series of integrated Green Run tests prior to its maiden flight. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

On Jan. 21-22, 2020, crews at Stennis Space Center lifted and installed the first core stage of NASA’s new Space Launch System (SLS) rocket onto the B-2 Test Stand. In upcoming months, a top-to-bottom, integrated series of Green Run tests will be conducted on the stage and its sophisticated systems. Following testing, the stage will be used to help launch the maiden Artemis I test mission of SLS and the Orion spacecraft. Through the Artemis program, NASA will send humans, including the first woman and next man, to the Moon to establish a sustainable presence.

Team members at NASA’s Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, load the first core stage of the agency’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket on to the agency’s Pegasus barge in preparation for its transport to Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The loading activity followed removal of the stage from the B-2 Test Stand at Stennis on April 19-20, 2021. It comes about a month after NASA conducted a successful hot fire of the stage and its four RS-25 engines on March 18 and after teams completed various refurbishment activities. Once at Kennedy, the will be integrated with the rest of SLS rocket and prepared for the launch of the Artemis I mission to the Moon. Photo Credit: NASA

On Jan. 21-22, 2020, crews at Stennis Space Center lifted and installed the first core stage of NASA’s new Space Launch System (SLS) rocket onto the B-2 Test Stand. In upcoming months, a top-to-bottom, integrated series of Green Run tests will be conducted on the stage and its sophisticated systems. Following testing, the stage will be used to help launch the maiden Artemis I test mission of SLS and the Orion spacecraft. Through the Artemis program, NASA will send humans, including the first woman and next man, to the Moon to establish a sustainable presence.

Team members at NASA’s Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, load the first core stage of the agency’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket on to the agency’s Pegasus barge in preparation for its transport to Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The loading activity followed removal of the stage from the B-2 Test Stand at Stennis on April 19-20, 2021. It comes about a month after NASA conducted a successful hot fire of the stage and its four RS-25 engines on March 18 and after teams completed various refurbishment activities. Once at Kennedy, the will be integrated with the rest of SLS rocket and prepared for the launch of the Artemis I mission to the Moon. Photo Credit: NASA

NASA conducts a hot fire test March 18, 2021, of the core stage for the agency’s Space Launch System rocket on the B-2 Test Stand at Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. The hot fire test of the stage’s four RS-25 engines generated a combined 1.6 million pounds of thrust, just as will occur during an actual launch. The hot fire is the final test of the Green Run test series, which represents a comprehensive assessment of the core stage and its integrated systems prior to its launch on the Artemis I mission to the Moon.

RS-25 rocket engine No. 2059 is removed from the A-1 Test Stand at Stennis Space Center on May 19, 2016. The engine was tested March 10 on the stand and is ready for use on NASA’s new Space Launch System (SLS) vehicle. NASA is developing the SLS to carry humans deeper into space than ever before. The SLS core stage will be powered by four RS-25 engines. Engine No. 2059 is scheduled for use on the first crewed SLS mission, Exploration Mission-2, which will carry American astronauts beyond low-Earth orbit for the first time since 1972. The photo above shows the engine, as well as the yellow thrust frame adapter above it, which holds the engine in place for testing.

The core stage for the first flight of NASA’s Space Launch System rocket is seen in the B-2 Test Stand during a second hot fire test, Thursday, March 18, 2021, at NASA’s Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. The four RS-25 engines fired for the full-duration of 8 minutes during the test and generated 1.6 million pounds of thrust. The hot fire test is the final stage of the Green Run test series, a comprehensive assessment of the Space Launch System’s core stage prior to launching the Artemis I mission to the Moon. Photo Credit: (NASA/Robert Markowitz)

On Jan. 21-22, 2020, crews at Stennis Space Center lifted and installed the first core stage of NASA’s new Space Launch System (SLS) rocket onto the B-2 Test Stand. In upcoming months, a top-to-bottom, integrated series of Green Run tests will be conducted on the stage and its sophisticated systems. Following testing, the stage will be used to help launch the maiden Artemis I test mission of SLS and the Orion spacecraft. Through the Artemis program, NASA will send humans, including the first woman and next man, to the Moon to establish a sustainable presence.

The first core stage of NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, loaded onto the agency’s Pegasus barge, departs Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, headed to Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The departure of the core stage in mid-April 2021 followed completion of a Green Run test series of the stage systems in preparation for its launch on the Artemis I mission. The Green Run series concluded with a March 18 hot fire of the stage’s four RS-25 engines on the B-2 Test Stand at Stennis, just as during an actual launch. Following refurbishment work, the stage was removed from the B-2 stand and loaded onto the Pegasus barge for transport. Once at Kennedy, the will be integrated with the rest of SLS rocket and prepared for the launch of the Artemis I mission to the Moon. Photo Credit: NASA

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine discusses the upcoming Green Run hot fire test on NASA television, Saturday, January 16, 2021, at NASA's Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. In the background, the core stage for the first flight of NASA’s Space Launch System rocket is seen in the B-2 Test Stand ahead of a scheduled eight minute duration hot fire test. The hot fire test is the final stage of the Green Run test series, a comprehensive assessment of the Space Launch System’s core stage prior to launching the Artemis I mission to the Moon. Photo Credit: (NASA/Robert Markowitz)

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine discusses the fiscal year 2021 budget proposal during a State of NASA address, Monday, Feb. 10, 2020, at Aerojet Rocketdyne’s facility at NASA’s Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

NASA leaders participated in a virtual press briefing following the Space Launch System core stage hot fire test at Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, on March 18. The leaders fielded questions submitted by offsite media during the post-test session. Agency participants present at Stennis included Tom Whitmeyer, NASA deputy associate administrator for Exploration Systems Development.

On Jan. 21-22, 2020, crews at Stennis Space Center lifted and installed the first core stage of NASA’s new Space Launch System (SLS) rocket onto the B-2 Test Stand. In upcoming months, a top-to-bottom, integrated series of Green Run tests will be conducted on the stage and its sophisticated systems. Following testing, the stage will be used to help launch the maiden Artemis I test mission of SLS and the Orion spacecraft. Through the Artemis program, NASA will send humans, including the first woman and next man, to the Moon to establish a sustainable presence.

The first core stage of NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, loaded onto the agency’s Pegasus barge, departs Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, headed to Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The departure of the core stage in mid-April 2021 followed completion of a Green Run test series of the stage systems in preparation for its launch on the Artemis I mission. The Green Run series concluded with a March 18 hot fire of the stage’s four RS-25 engines on the B-2 Test Stand at Stennis, just as during an actual launch. Following refurbishment work, the stage was removed from the B-2 stand and loaded onto the Pegasus barge for transport. Once at Kennedy, the will be integrated with the rest of SLS rocket and prepared for the launch of the Artemis I mission to the Moon. Photo Credit: NASA

Operators at the B-2 Test Stand at Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, conducted a wet dress rehearsal for the hot fire test of the core stage of NASA’s Space Launch System on Dec. 21, 2020. In this image, liquid oxygen can be seen venting from B-2 Test Stand piping. Following the wet dress rehearsal, operators will conduct a full hot fire test of the core stage and its four RS-25 engines. The hot fire will conclude a series of eight Green Run tests of all core stage systems before it is transported to Kennedy Space Center for launch on the Artemis I mission.

Team members at NASA’s Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, load the first core stage of the agency’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket on to the agency’s Pegasus barge in preparation for its transport to Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The loading activity followed removal of the stage from the B-2 Test Stand at Stennis on April 19-20, 2021. It comes about a month after NASA conducted a successful hot fire of the stage and its four RS-25 engines on March 18 and after teams completed various refurbishment activities. Once at Kennedy, the will be integrated with the rest of SLS rocket and prepared for the launch of the Artemis I mission to the Moon. Photo Credit: NASA

The first flight core stage for NASA’s new Space Launch System rocket arrived at Stennis Space Center on Jan. 12 for a series of tests prior to its maiden Artemis I flight. The core stage was transported from Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans to the B-2 Test Stand dock at Stennis aboard NASA’s Pegasus barge. Soon after arrival, the stage was rolled off of Pegasus onto the B-2 Test Stand tarmac. After the stage is lifted and installed on the B-2 stand, it will undergo a series of “Green Run” systems test that represent the first integrated testing of its sophisticated systems.

Following a successful Green Run hot fire at NASA’s Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, on March 18, members of a blended team work April 19-20 to remove the first core stage of the agency’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket from the B-2 Test Stand. The work required crews to lift the core stage from its vertical placement in the stand and lower it to a horizontal position on the B-2 Test Stand tarmac. The stage now will be loaded on NASA’s Pegasus barge for transport to Kennedy, where it will be prepared for launch of the Artemis I mission. Removal of the largest rocket stage ever built by NASA followed completion of a series of eight Green Run tests over the past year. During the Green Run series, teams performed a comprehensive test of the stand’s sophisticated and integrated systems. Photo Credit: NASA

On Jan. 21-22, 2020, crews at Stennis Space Center lifted and installed the first core stage of NASA’s new Space Launch System (SLS) rocket onto the B-2 Test Stand. In upcoming months, a top-to-bottom, integrated series of Green Run tests will be conducted on the stage and its sophisticated systems. Following testing, the stage will be used to help launch the maiden Artemis I test mission of SLS and the Orion spacecraft. Through the Artemis program, NASA will send humans, including the first woman and next man, to the Moon to establish a sustainable presence.

Team members at NASA’s Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, load the first core stage of the agency’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket on to the agency’s Pegasus barge in preparation for its transport to Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The loading activity followed removal of the stage from the B-2 Test Stand at Stennis on April 19-20, 2021. It comes about a month after NASA conducted a successful hot fire of the stage and its four RS-25 engines on March 18 and after teams completed various refurbishment activities. Once at Kennedy, the will be integrated with the rest of SLS rocket and prepared for the launch of the Artemis I mission to the Moon. Photo Credit: NASA

Following a successful Green Run hot fire at NASA’s Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, on March 18, members of a blended team work April 19-20 to remove the first core stage of the agency’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket from the B-2 Test Stand. The work required crews to lift the core stage from its vertical placement in the stand and lower it to a horizontal position on the B-2 Test Stand tarmac. The stage now will be loaded on NASA’s Pegasus barge for transport to Kennedy, where it will be prepared for launch of the Artemis I mission. Removal of the largest rocket stage ever built by NASA followed completion of a series of eight Green Run tests over the past year. During the Green Run series, teams performed a comprehensive test of the stand’s sophisticated and integrated systems. Photo Credit: NASA

NASA conducts a hot fire test March 18, 2021, of the core stage for the agency’s Space Launch System rocket on the B-2 Test Stand at Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. The hot fire test of the stage’s four RS-25 engines generated a combined 1.6 million pounds of thrust, just as will occur during an actual launch. The hot fire is the final test of the Green Run test series, which represents a comprehensive assessment of the core stage and its integrated systems prior to its launch on the Artemis I mission to the Moon.

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine discusses the upcoming Green Run hot fire test on NASA television with Leigh D’Angelo of NASA, Saturday, January 16, 2021, at NASA's Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. In the background, the core stage for the first flight of NASA’s Space Launch System rocket is seen in the B-2 Test Stand ahead of a scheduled eight minute duration hot fire test. The hot fire test is the final stage of the Green Run test series, a comprehensive assessment of the Space Launch System’s core stage prior to launching the Artemis I mission to the Moon. Photo Credit: (NASA/Robert Markowitz)

A 15-second test of a Saturn V rocket stage on the A-2 Test Stand at Stennis Space Center ushered in the Space Age for south Mississippi. Fifty years later, Stennis has grown into the nation’s largest rocket engine test site, continuing to test rocket engines and stages that power the nation’s space program.

The first core stage of NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, loaded onto the agency’s Pegasus barge, departs Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, headed to Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The departure of the core stage in mid-April 2021 followed completion of a Green Run test series of the stage systems in preparation for its launch on the Artemis I mission. The Green Run series concluded with a March 18 hot fire of the stage’s four RS-25 engines on the B-2 Test Stand at Stennis, just as during an actual launch. Following refurbishment work, the stage was removed from the B-2 stand and loaded onto the Pegasus barge for transport. Once at Kennedy, the will be integrated with the rest of SLS rocket and prepared for the launch of the Artemis I mission to the Moon. Photo Credit: NASA

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, right, greets members of the workforce, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, at NASA’s Stennis Space Center in Mississippi. Stennis marks the sixth stop in Isaacman’s roadshow to visit NASA facilities and engage directly with the agency’s workforce. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)

The core stage for the first flight of NASA’s Space Launch System rocket is seen in the B-2 Test Stand during a scheduled eight minute duration hot fire test, Saturday, Jan. 16, 2021, at NASA’s Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. The four RS-25 engines fired for a little more than one minute and generated 1.6 million pounds of thrust. The hot fire is the final test of the Green Run test series, a comprehensive assessment of the Space Launch System’s core stage prior to launching the Artemis I mission to the Moon. Photo Credit: (NASA/Robert Markowitz)

NASA leaders participated in a virtual press briefing following the Space Launch System core stage hot fire test at Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, on March 18. The leaders fielded questions submitted by offsite media during the post-test session. Agency participants present at Stennis included Julie Bassler, SLS Stages Office manager at Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama.

NASA astronaut Raja Chari speaks at an all-hands for employees following the State of NASA address, Monday, Feb. 10, 2020, at NASA’s Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

On Jan. 30, 2020, crews at Stennis Space Center successfully conducted modal testing of the first core stage of NASA’s new Space Launch System (SLS) rocket. Data from the modal test will be used to verify structural vibration modes and verify flight control parameters. The test is part of a Green Run series of testing that represents the first top-to-bottom integrated testing of the stage’s systems prior to its maiden Artemis I test mission.

Acting NASA Administrator Steve Jurczyk, left, Rick Gilbrech, director of NASA's Stennis Space Center, center, and Lynn Fitch, Attorney General of Mississippi, right, are seen in the viewing area prior to a second hot fire test of the core stage for the first flight of NASA’s Space Launch System rocket in the B-2 Test Stand, Thursday, March 18, 2021, at NASA’s Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. The four RS-25 engines fired for the full-duration of 8 minutes during the test and generated 1.6 million pounds of thrust. The hot fire test is the final stage of the Green Run test series, a comprehensive assessment of the Space Launch System’s core stage prior to launching the Artemis I mission to the Moon. Photo Credit: (NASA/Robert Markowitz)

U.S. Representative Steve Scalise, left, NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine and U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, right gather to watch as the core stage for the first flight of NASA's Space Launch System rocket undergoes a scheduled eight minute duration hot fire test in the B-2 Test Stand, January 16, 2021, at NASA's Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. The four RS-25 engines fired for a little more than one minute and generated 1.6 million pounds of thrust. The hot fire is the final test of the Green Run test series, a comprehensive assessment of the Space Launch System’s core stage prior to launching the Artemis I mission to the Moon. Photo Credit: (NASA/Robert Markowitz)

On Jan. 30, 2020, crews at Stennis Space Center successfully conducted modal testing of the first core stage of NASA’s new Space Launch System (SLS) rocket. Data from the modal test will be used to verify structural vibration modes and verify flight control parameters. The test is part of a Green Run series of testing that represents the first top-to-bottom integrated testing of the stage’s systems prior to its maiden Artemis I test mission.

NASA conducts a hot fire test March 18, 2021, of the core stage for the agency’s Space Launch System rocket on the B-2 Test Stand at Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. The hot fire test of the stage’s four RS-25 engines generated a combined 1.6 million pounds of thrust, just as will occur during an actual launch. The hot fire is the final test of the Green Run test series, which represents a comprehensive assessment of the core stage and its integrated systems prior to its launch on the Artemis I mission to the Moon.

On Jan. 30, 2020, crews at Stennis Space Center successfully conducted modal testing of the first core stage of NASA’s new Space Launch System (SLS) rocket. Data from the modal test will be used to verify structural vibration modes and verify flight control parameters. The test is part of a Green Run series of testing that represents the first top-to-bottom integrated testing of the stage’s systems prior to its maiden Artemis I test mission.

The first core stage of NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, loaded onto the agency’s Pegasus barge, departs Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, headed to Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The departure of the core stage in mid-April 2021 followed completion of a Green Run test series of the stage systems in preparation for its launch on the Artemis I mission. The Green Run series concluded with a March 18 hot fire of the stage’s four RS-25 engines on the B-2 Test Stand at Stennis, just as during an actual launch. Following refurbishment work, the stage was removed from the B-2 stand and loaded onto the Pegasus barge for transport. Once at Kennedy, the will be integrated with the rest of SLS rocket and prepared for the launch of the Artemis I mission to the Moon. Photo Credit: NASA

The core stage for the first flight of NASA’s Space Launch System rocket is seen in the B-2 Test Stand during a second hot fire test, Thursday, March 18, 2021, at NASA’s Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. The four RS-25 engines fired for the full-duration of 8 minutes during the test and generated 1.6 million pounds of thrust. The hot fire test is the final stage of the Green Run test series, a comprehensive assessment of the Space Launch System’s core stage prior to launching the Artemis I mission to the Moon. Photo Credit: (NASA/Robert Markowitz)

The first core stage of NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, loaded onto the agency’s Pegasus barge, departs Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, headed to Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The departure of the core stage in mid-April 2021 followed completion of a Green Run test series of the stage systems in preparation for its launch on the Artemis I mission. The Green Run series concluded with a March 18 hot fire of the stage’s four RS-25 engines on the B-2 Test Stand at Stennis, just as during an actual launch. Following refurbishment work, the stage was removed from the B-2 stand and loaded onto the Pegasus barge for transport. Once at Kennedy, the will be integrated with the rest of SLS rocket and prepared for the launch of the Artemis I mission to the Moon. Photo Credit: NASA

Team members at NASA’s Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, load the first core stage of the agency’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket on to the agency’s Pegasus barge in preparation for its transport to Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The loading activity followed removal of the stage from the B-2 Test Stand at Stennis on April 19-20, 2021. It comes about a month after NASA conducted a successful hot fire of the stage and its four RS-25 engines on March 18 and after teams completed various refurbishment activities. Once at Kennedy, the will be integrated with the rest of SLS rocket and prepared for the launch of the Artemis I mission to the Moon. Photo Credit: NASA

On Jan. 21-22, 2020, crews at Stennis Space Center lifted and installed the first core stage of NASA’s new Space Launch System (SLS) rocket onto the B-2 Test Stand. In upcoming months, a top-to-bottom, integrated series of Green Run tests will be conducted on the stage and its sophisticated systems. Following testing, the stage will be used to help launch the maiden Artemis I test mission of SLS and the Orion spacecraft. Through the Artemis program, NASA will send humans, including the first woman and next man, to the Moon to establish a sustainable presence.

On Jan. 21-22, 2020, crews at Stennis Space Center lifted and installed the first core stage of NASA’s new Space Launch System (SLS) rocket onto the B-2 Test Stand. In upcoming months, a top-to-bottom, integrated series of Green Run tests will be conducted on the stage and its sophisticated systems. Following testing, the stage will be used to help launch the maiden Artemis I test mission of SLS and the Orion spacecraft. Through the Artemis program, NASA will send humans, including the first woman and next man, to the Moon to establish a sustainable presence.

Nyla Trumbach, a NASA lead mechanical engineer, broke barriers as the first female to conduct a J-2X powerpack engine test at Stennis Space Center. She currently works on testing of the RS-25 rocket engine, shown installed on the A-1 Test Stand at SSC.

The core stage for the first flight of NASA’s Space Launch System rocket is seen in the B-2 Test Stand during a scheduled eight minute duration hot fire test, Saturday, Jan. 16, 2021, at NASA’s Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. The four RS-25 engines fired for a little more than one minute and generated 1.6 million pounds of thrust. The hot fire is the final test of the Green Run test series, a comprehensive assessment of the Space Launch System’s core stage prior to launching the Artemis I mission to the Moon. Photo Credit: (NASA/Robert Markowitz)

Following a successful Green Run hot fire at NASA’s Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, on March 18, members of a blended team work April 19-20 to remove the first core stage of the agency’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket from the B-2 Test Stand. The work required crews to lift the core stage from its vertical placement in the stand and lower it to a horizontal position on the B-2 Test Stand tarmac. The stage now will be loaded on NASA’s Pegasus barge for transport to Kennedy, where it will be prepared for launch of the Artemis I mission. Removal of the largest rocket stage ever built by NASA followed completion of a series of eight Green Run tests over the past year. During the Green Run series, teams performed a comprehensive test of the stand’s sophisticated and integrated systems. Photo Credit: NASA

A on-stand camera offers a close-up view as NASA conducts a hot fire test March 18, 2021, of the core stage for the agency’s Space Launch System rocket on the B-2 Test Stand at Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. The hot fire test of the stage’s four RS-25 engines shown in the photo generated a combined 1.6 million pounds of thrust, just as will occur during an actual launch. The hot fire is the final test of the Green Run test series, which represents a comprehensive assessment of the core stage and its integrated systems prior to its launch on the Artemis I mission to the Moon.

On Jan. 21-22, 2020, crews at Stennis Space Center lifted and installed the first core stage of NASA’s new Space Launch System (SLS) rocket onto the B-2 Test Stand. In upcoming months, a top-to-bottom, integrated series of Green Run tests will be conducted on the stage and its sophisticated systems. Following testing, the stage will be used to help launch the maiden Artemis I test mission of SLS and the Orion spacecraft. Through the Artemis program, NASA will send humans, including the first woman and next man, to the Moon to establish a sustainable presence.

Team members at NASA’s Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, complete refurbishment work on the first core stage of the agency’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket. The work followed a successful hot fire of the stage and its four RS-25 engines March 18. The hot fire marked the culmination of a yearlong Green Run series of tests of the stage and its integrated systems. Following refurbishment work, the core stage will be removed from the test stand and transported to Kennedy Space Center in Florida, aboard NASA’s Pegasus barge, shown delivering equipment to the B-2 Test Stand. At Kennedy, the core stage will be integrated with the rest of SLS rocket and prepared for the launch of the Artemis I mission to the Moon. Photo Credit: NASA

The first core stage of NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, loaded onto the agency’s Pegasus barge, departs Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, headed to Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The departure of the core stage in mid-April 2021 followed completion of a Green Run test series of the stage systems in preparation for its launch on the Artemis I mission. The Green Run series concluded with a March 18 hot fire of the stage’s four RS-25 engines on the B-2 Test Stand at Stennis, just as during an actual launch. Following refurbishment work, the stage was removed from the B-2 stand and loaded onto the Pegasus barge for transport. Once at Kennedy, the will be integrated with the rest of SLS rocket and prepared for the launch of the Artemis I mission to the Moon. Photo Credit: NASA

Following a successful Green Run hot fire at NASA’s Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, on March 18, members of a blended team work April 19-20 to remove the first core stage of the agency’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket from the B-2 Test Stand. The work required crews to lift the core stage from its vertical placement in the stand and lower it to a horizontal position on the B-2 Test Stand tarmac. The stage now will be loaded on NASA’s Pegasus barge for transport to Kennedy, where it will be prepared for launch of the Artemis I mission. Removal of the largest rocket stage ever built by NASA followed completion of a series of eight Green Run tests over the past year. During the Green Run series, teams performed a comprehensive test of the stand’s sophisticated and integrated systems. Photo Credit: NASA

Team members at NASA’s Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, load the first core stage of the agency’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket on to the agency’s Pegasus barge in preparation for its transport to Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The loading activity followed removal of the stage from the B-2 Test Stand at Stennis on April 19-20, 2021. It comes about a month after NASA conducted a successful hot fire of the stage and its four RS-25 engines on March 18 and after teams completed various refurbishment activities. Once at Kennedy, the will be integrated with the rest of SLS rocket and prepared for the launch of the Artemis I mission to the Moon. Photo Credit: NASA

NASA conducts a hot fire test March 18, 2021, of the core stage for the agency’s Space Launch System rocket on the B-2 Test Stand at Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. The hot fire test of the stage’s four RS-25 engines generated a combined 1.6 million pounds of thrust, just as will occur during an actual launch. The hot fire is the final test of the Green Run test series, which represents a comprehensive assessment of the core stage and its integrated systems prior to its launch on the Artemis I mission to the Moon.

A bolt of lightning is seen near the B-2 Test Stand the night before a second hot fire test of the core stage for the first flight of NASA’s Space Launch System rocket, Wednesday, March 17, 2021 at NASA’s Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. The hot fire test is the final stage of the Green Run test series, a comprehensive assessment of the Space Launch System’s core stage prior to launching the Artemis I mission to the Moon. Photo Credit: (NASA/Robert Markowitz)

Team members at NASA’s Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, load the first core stage of the agency’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket on to the agency’s Pegasus barge in preparation for its transport to Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The loading activity followed removal of the stage from the B-2 Test Stand at Stennis on April 19-20, 2021. It comes about a month after NASA conducted a successful hot fire of the stage and its four RS-25 engines on March 18 and after teams completed various refurbishment activities. Once at Kennedy, the will be integrated with the rest of SLS rocket and prepared for the launch of the Artemis I mission to the Moon. Photo Credit: NASA

On Jan. 30, 2020, crews at Stennis Space Center successfully conducted modal testing of the first core stage of NASA’s new Space Launch System (SLS) rocket. Data from the modal test will be used to verify structural vibration modes and verify flight control parameters. The test is part of a Green Run series of testing that represents the first top-to-bottom integrated testing of the stage’s systems prior to its maiden Artemis I test mission.

Team members at NASA’s Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, complete refurbishment work on the first core stage of the agency’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket. The work followed a successful hot fire of the stage and its four RS-25 engines March 18. The hot fire marked the culmination of a yearlong Green Run series of tests of the stage and its integrated systems. Following refurbishment work, the core stage will be removed from the test stand and transported to Kennedy Space Center in Florida, aboard NASA’s Pegasus barge, shown delivering equipment to the B-2 Test Stand. At Kennedy, the core stage will be integrated with the rest of SLS rocket and prepared for the launch of the Artemis I mission to the Moon. Photo Credit: NASA

NASA conducts a hot fire test March 18, 2021, of the core stage for the agency’s Space Launch System rocket on the B-2 Test Stand at Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. The hot fire test of the stage’s four RS-25 engines generated a combined 1.6 million pounds of thrust, just as will occur during an actual launch. The hot fire is the final test of the Green Run test series, which represents a comprehensive assessment of the core stage and its integrated systems prior to its launch on the Artemis I mission to the Moon.

Team members at NASA’s Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, load the first core stage of the agency’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket on to the agency’s Pegasus barge in preparation for its transport to Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The loading activity followed removal of the stage from the B-2 Test Stand at Stennis on April 19-20, 2021. It comes about a month after NASA conducted a successful hot fire of the stage and its four RS-25 engines on March 18 and after teams completed various refurbishment activities. Once at Kennedy, the will be integrated with the rest of SLS rocket and prepared for the launch of the Artemis I mission to the Moon. Photo Credit: NASA

Team members at NASA’s Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, complete refurbishment work on the first core stage of the agency’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket. The work followed a successful hot fire of the stage and its four RS-25 engines March 18. The hot fire marked the culmination of a yearlong Green Run series of tests of the stage and its integrated systems. Following refurbishment work, the core stage will be removed from the test stand and transported to Kennedy Space Center in Florida, aboard NASA’s Pegasus barge, shown delivering equipment to the B-2 Test Stand. At Kennedy, the core stage will be integrated with the rest of SLS rocket and prepared for the launch of the Artemis I mission to the Moon. Photo Credit: NASA

The first flight core stage for NASA’s new Space Launch System rocket arrived at Stennis Space Center on Jan. 12 for a series of tests prior to its maiden Artemis I flight. The core stage was transported from Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans to the B-2 Test Stand dock at Stennis aboard NASA’s Pegasus barge. Soon after arrival, the stage was rolled off of Pegasus onto the B-2 Test Stand tarmac. After the stage is lifted and installed on the B-2 stand, it will undergo a series of “Green Run” systems test that represent the first integrated testing of its sophisticated systems.

The first core stage of NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, loaded onto the agency’s Pegasus barge, departs Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, headed to Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The departure of the core stage in mid-April 2021 followed completion of a Green Run test series of the stage systems in preparation for its launch on the Artemis I mission. The Green Run series concluded with a March 18 hot fire of the stage’s four RS-25 engines on the B-2 Test Stand at Stennis, just as during an actual launch. Following refurbishment work, the stage was removed from the B-2 stand and loaded onto the Pegasus barge for transport. Once at Kennedy, the will be integrated with the rest of SLS rocket and prepared for the launch of the Artemis I mission to the Moon. Photo Credit: NASA

On Jan. 30, 2020, crews at Stennis Space Center successfully conducted modal testing of the first core stage of NASA’s new Space Launch System (SLS) rocket. Data from the modal test will be used to verify structural vibration modes and verify flight control parameters. The test is part of a Green Run series of testing that represents the first top-to-bottom integrated testing of the stage’s systems prior to its maiden Artemis I test mission.

NASA leaders participated in a participate in a virtual press briefing following the Space Launch System core stage hot fire test at Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, on March 18. The leaders fielded questions submitted by offsite media during the post-test session. Agency participants present at Stennis included (l to r): NASA acting Administrator Steve Jurczyk; Tom Whitmeyer, NASA deputy associate administrator for Exploration Systems Development; John Honeycutt, SLS Program manager at Marshall Space Flight Center; and Julie Bassler, SLS Stages Office manager at Marshall Space Flight Center.

Jackson Barber of Mandeville, LA, poses in front of an inflatable Mars Rover outside INFINITY Science Center adjacent to NASA’s Stennis Space Center. The science center held its grand reopening on May 29, 2021, after closing in 2020 due to Covid 19.

On Jan. 21-22, 2020, crews at Stennis Space Center lifted and installed the first core stage of NASA’s new Space Launch System (SLS) rocket onto the B-2 Test Stand. In upcoming months, a top-to-bottom, integrated series of Green Run tests will be conducted on the stage and its sophisticated systems. Following testing, the stage will be used to help launch the maiden Artemis I test mission of SLS and the Orion spacecraft. Through the Artemis program, NASA will send humans, including the first woman and next man, to the Moon to establish a sustainable presence.

Following a successful Green Run hot fire at NASA’s Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, on March 18, members of a blended team work April 19-20 to remove the first core stage of the agency’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket from the B-2 Test Stand. The work required crews to lift the core stage from its vertical placement in the stand and lower it to a horizontal position on the B-2 Test Stand tarmac. The stage now will be loaded on NASA’s Pegasus barge for transport to Kennedy, where it will be prepared for launch of the Artemis I mission. Removal of the largest rocket stage ever built by NASA followed completion of a series of eight Green Run tests over the past year. During the Green Run series, teams performed a comprehensive test of the stand’s sophisticated and integrated systems. Photo Credit: NASA

The core stage for the first flight of NASA’s Space Launch System rocket is seen in the B-2 Test Stand during a second hot fire test, Thursday, March 18, 2021, at NASA’s Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. The four RS-25 engines fired for the full-duration of 8 minutes during the test and generated 1.6 million pounds of thrust. The hot fire test is the final stage of the Green Run test series, a comprehensive assessment of the Space Launch System’s core stage prior to launching the Artemis I mission to the Moon. Photo Credit: (NASA/Robert Markowitz)

Team members at NASA’s Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, load the first core stage of the agency’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket on to the agency’s Pegasus barge in preparation for its transport to Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The loading activity followed removal of the stage from the B-2 Test Stand at Stennis on April 19-20, 2021. It comes about a month after NASA conducted a successful hot fire of the stage and its four RS-25 engines on March 18 and after teams completed various refurbishment activities. Once at Kennedy, the will be integrated with the rest of SLS rocket and prepared for the launch of the Artemis I mission to the Moon. Photo Credit: NASA

Operators at the B-2 Test Stand at Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, conducted a wet dress rehearsal for the hot fire test of the core stage of NASA’s Space Launch System on Dec. 21, 2020. In this image, liquid oxygen can be seen venting near the top of the installed core stage. Following the wet dress rehearsal, operators will conduct a full hot fire test of the core stage and its four RS-25 engines. The hot fire will conclude a series of eight Green Run tests of all core stage systems before it is transported to Kennedy Space Center for launch on the Artemis I mission.

Year 2015 got off to a blazing start as NASA conducted its first test of an RS-25 rocket engine on the A-1 Test Stand at Stennis Space Center on Jan. 9, 2015. The 500-second test provided critical data on engine performance. RS-25 engines will help power the core stage of NASA’s new Space Launch System vehicle, being developed to carry humans deeper into space than ever before.

NASA conducts a hot fire test March 18, 2021, of the core stage for the agency’s Space Launch System rocket on the B-2 Test Stand at Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. The hot fire test of the stage’s four RS-25 engines generated a combined 1.6 million pounds of thrust, just as will occur during an actual launch. The hot fire is the final test of the Green Run test series, which represents a comprehensive assessment of the core stage and its integrated systems prior to its launch on the Artemis I mission to the Moon.

NASA conducts a hot fire test March 18, 2021, of the core stage for the agency’s Space Launch System rocket on the B-2 Test Stand at Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. The hot fire test of the stage’s four RS-25 engines generated a combined 1.6 million pounds of thrust, just as will occur during an actual launch. The hot fire is the final test of the Green Run test series, which represents a comprehensive assessment of the core stage and its integrated systems prior to its launch on the Artemis I mission to the Moon.

Rick Gilbrech, director of NASA's Stennis Space Center, left, and Jody Singer, director of NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, right, high five following a second hot fire test of the core stage for the first flight of NASA’s Space Launch System rocket in the B-2 Test Stand, Thursday, March 18, 2021, at NASA’s Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. The four RS-25 engines fired for the full-duration of 8 minutes during the test and generated 1.6 million pounds of thrust. The hot fire test is the final stage of the Green Run test series, a comprehensive assessment of the Space Launch System’s core stage prior to launching the Artemis I mission to the Moon. Photo Credit: (NASA/Robert Markowitz)

Richard Gilbrech, Director of NASA's Stennis Space Center, speaks at an all-hands for employees following the State of NASA address, Monday, Feb. 10, 2020, at NASA’s Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Team members at NASA’s Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, load the first core stage of the agency’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket on to the agency’s Pegasus barge in preparation for its transport to Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The loading activity followed removal of the stage from the B-2 Test Stand at Stennis on April 19-20, 2021. It comes about a month after NASA conducted a successful hot fire of the stage and its four RS-25 engines on March 18 and after teams completed various refurbishment activities. Once at Kennedy, the will be integrated with the rest of SLS rocket and prepared for the launch of the Artemis I mission to the Moon. Photo Credit: NASA

A drone camera offers a bird’s-eye view as NASA conducts a hot fire test March 18, 2021, of the core stage for the agency’s Space Launch System rocket on the B-2 Test Stand at Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. The hot fire test of the stage’s four RS-25 engines generated a combined 1.6 million pounds of thrust, just as will occur during an actual launch. The hot fire is the final test of the Green Run test series, which represents a comprehensive assessment of the core stage and its integrated systems prior to its launch on the Artemis I mission to the Moon.

Team members at NASA’s Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, load the first core stage of the agency’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket on to the agency’s Pegasus barge in preparation for its transport to Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The loading activity followed removal of the stage from the B-2 Test Stand at Stennis on April 19-20, 2021. It comes about a month after NASA conducted a successful hot fire of the stage and its four RS-25 engines on March 18 and after teams completed various refurbishment activities. Once at Kennedy, the will be integrated with the rest of SLS rocket and prepared for the launch of the Artemis I mission to the Moon. Photo Credit: NASA

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, center, is seen on a work platform between the four RS-25 engines of the first core stage of the agency’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket along with Lisa Bates, SLS Deputy Stages Manager at NASA, Mark Nappi, Boeing Green Run Test Manager, Richard Gilbrech, Director of NASA's Stennis Space Center, Julie Bassler, SLS Stages Manager at NASA, and NASA astronaut Raja Chari, during a tour of the B-2 Test Stand, Monday, Feb. 10, 2020, at NASA’s Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. Over the coming months, the first core stage of NASA’s SLS rocket will be undergoing a series of integrated Green Run tests prior to its maiden flight. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

The first flight core stage for NASA’s new Space Launch System rocket arrived at Stennis Space Center on Jan. 12 for a series of tests prior to its maiden Artemis I flight. The core stage was transported from Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans to the B-2 Test Stand dock at Stennis aboard NASA’s Pegasus barge. Soon after arrival, the stage was rolled off of Pegasus onto the B-2 Test Stand tarmac. After the stage is lifted and installed on the B-2 stand, it will undergo a series of “Green Run” systems test that represent the first integrated testing of its sophisticated systems.

U.S. Representative Steven Palazzo (R-Miss.), left, speaks with NASA astronaut Raja Chari following the State of NASA address, Monday, Feb. 10, 2020, at Aerojet Rocketdyne’s facility at NASA’s Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

On Jan. 30, 2020, crews at Stennis Space Center successfully conducted modal testing of the first core stage of NASA’s new Space Launch System (SLS) rocket. Data from the modal test will be used to verify structural vibration modes and verify flight control parameters. The test is part of a Green Run series of testing that represents the first top-to-bottom integrated testing of the stage’s systems prior to its maiden Artemis I test mission.

On Jan. 30, 2020, crews at Stennis Space Center successfully conducted modal testing of the first core stage of NASA’s new Space Launch System (SLS) rocket. Data from the modal test will be used to verify structural vibration modes and verify flight control parameters. The test is part of a Green Run series of testing that represents the first top-to-bottom integrated testing of the stage’s systems prior to its maiden Artemis I test mission.