Enthusiastic spectators turned out at the Stennis Space Center in Mississippi yesterday to witness the test of an RS-25 engine, which could eventually propel astronauts to places like Mars.
A huge cloud of smoke burst from the A-1 test stand as scientists ignited a "hot fire" test, designed to measure the engine's ability to withstand intense temperature and pressure conditions for nearly nine minutes.
The RS-25 is one of four engines that will power the core stage of the Nasa Space Launch System's (SLS) mega-rocket, aimed at launching astronauts to asteroids, Mars, and other space destinations.
Yesterday's test with the engine charging through the entire time required of an actually launch for the first time was the sixth in a series of seven to test the SLS system. The seventh and final test in the series is planned for August 27.