NASA 'destroys' oxygen tank of SLS in incredible test video - Daily Mail

Its destruction was good news though, as this is exactly what NASA engineers predicted, meaning it passed this test proving flight readiness. .

'The test team have done a tremendous job of accomplishing this test program, marking a major milestone not only for the SLS Program but also for the Artemis program,' said John Honeycutt, the SLS Program Manager. .

This was the single largest test program NASA has conducted for a rocket since the Space Shuttle Program finished more than 30 years ago. ?

With the conclusion of testing, designers now have data that may be helpful in optimising SLS hardware before Artemis 1 takes to the sky.  .

Artemis 1 is scheduled to launch in November 2021 and will take the Orion craft into space for a a three week long uncrewed flight test to the Moon and back.   .

'This is a landmark year for core stage testing for the Artemis missions,' said Julie Bassler, the SLS stages manager. .

'We have successfully completed our core stage major structural tests at Marshall Space Flight Center and are making progress on Green Run testing of the Artemis I core stage at Stennis Space Center that will simulate launch. .

This final test marks the point where the SLS has passed all the testing requirements needed prior to the launch of the first Artemis mission - Artemis 1 .

'All these tests are not only valuable for the first Artemis mission but also validates the new integrated design of the SLS core stage structure, propulsion and avionics systems and ensures its readiness for future flights.'

Before Artemis 1 launches in 2021 there needs to be more testing of the fully assembled 212ft core stage of the SLS rocket. 

All 10 of the segments for the second Artemis mission are cast, and Northrop Grumman is now working on the boosters for Artemis III - the mission that will see the first woman and next man land on the Moon in 2024

With the arrival of the boosters to Kennedy, the only remaining pieces of hardware for the Artemis I flight test to be delivered are the launch vehicle stage adapter, which connects the rocket to the Orion spacecraft and will arrive this summer

The other outstanding part is the SLS core stage, which will be transported to Kennedy by barge after the Green Run hot fire test at Stennis later this year

The comprehensive, eight-part test series, or Green Run, will steadily bring the core stage flight hardware, or new, 'green' hardware, to life for the first time. 

NASA's Space Launch System will have an initial lift configuration (second from right), set to launch in the mid-2020's, followed by an upgraded 'evolved lift capability' (far right) that can carry heavier payloads