NASA will test the ‘most powerful rocket ever’ TOMORROW – and it can reach speeds of 17,500 mph

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The world’s most powerful rocket is set to undergo a crucial “burning fire” test tomorrow.

The space launch system, which NASA hopes will one day take astronauts to Mars, will detonate its four powerful engines bolted to the ground.

It’s one of the last hurdles to clear before NASA can send the spacecraft on its first unmanned test flight, which is slated for later this year.

The Space Launch System (SLS) will form the backbone of NASA’s Artemis program, which promises to land astronauts on the moon by 2024.

Using the 97m-high rocket, the space agency hopes to establish a permanent moon base in orbit by 2030.

Having already completed a number of key “static” engine tests last year, the booster’s next test is scheduled for January 16.

NASA's massive Space Launch System rocket set to conduct unmanned test flight next week — NASA’s massive Space Launch System rocket set to conduct unmanned test flight next weekCredit: Alamy

The main stage of the Space Launch System with its four SN-25 engines on displayCredit: EPA

According to Spaceflight Now, engineers were finally able to set a date after confirming they were happy with the results of a refueling test last month.

NASA will conduct the “burning fire” at the Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi.

Engineers are aiming for a two-hour testing window that opens at 5:00 p.m. ET (10:00 p.m. GMT). Space fans can watch the test live here.

The space agency described the impending test in a press release last year.

The huge rocket completed a number of key 'static' engine tests last year — The huge rocket completed a number of key ‘static’ engine tests last yearCredit: Cover images

“The test replicates the launch by loading the thrusters and allowing them to flow through the system as all four RS-25 engines fire simultaneously,” NASA said.

He added that the test “will demonstrate that the engines, tanks, fuel lines, valves, pressurization system and software can all work together as they will on launch day.”

When completed, the SLS will be the most powerful rocket in the world.

Under its 25 main-stage engines, the spacecraft will reach a record speed of Mach 23 before separating from its crew capsule.

Mach 23 equates to approximately 17,647.2 miles per hour.

Engineers work inside the main phase of SLSCredit: Cover images

Once NASA performs its unmanned SLS test, the space agency hopes to fly again with a crew on board a year later.

Then, it will train its sites on Artemis. The goal of this ambitious mission is to land on the lunar south pole and mine pockets of water ice there.

The frozen ponds were discovered in 2009 and could potentially be used for survival purposes or even to make rocket thruster.

If this rocket thruster theory is correct, traveling to the moon could become much more efficient.

The mission of the Moon 2024 aims to lay the foundations for a mission to Mars in the 2030s.

NASA’s Artemis Lunar Mission – Key Facts

NASA pledged to land man on the moon in 2024
The mission, dubbed Artemis, will mark the first time astronauts have set foot on the lunar surface since 1972
Giant NASA rocket called Space Launch System will transport astronauts beyond Earth’s atmosphere
Once on the Moon, two astronauts will descend to the surface from an orbiting craft called the Lunar Gateway.
NASA has promised one of the landing teams will be a woman, marking the first time a woman has set foot on the moon
The couple would land on the lunar south pole, where vast reserves of frozen water could be tapped for future explorers
The landing system that brought the astronauts to the surface will then return to the Gateway satellite in orbit.
They will board an Orion capsule for the 250,000 km trip to Earth
NASA has a mountain of technical challenges to overcome before Artemis gets the green light
It’s still unclear if everything will be ready in time for the ambitious 2024 launch date.
NASA boss Jim Bridenstine said the moon would serve as a critical training ground for expeditions to Mars, possibly in the 2030s