A Boeing SLS Green Run test team member works during a simulated launch countdown, the sixth of eight Green Run tests to demonstrate the rocket’s readiness for flight.

NASA photo

NASA’s Space Launch System, or SLS, program on October 5 completed a simulated launch countdown to help validate the timeline and sequence of events for next year’s Artemis I mission liftoff.

The countdown was the sixth of eight major tests that make up a series called Green Run, with the Boeing-built SLS core stage on test stand B-2 at NASA’s Stennis Space Center in Mississippi.

The test team powered on the core stage avionics as they had for Green Run Test 2, then simulated propellant loading and pressurization as part of the countdown checklist to Automated Launch Sequencer start. NASA and Boeing program management participated in the final simulation in the series.

“The simulated countdown test performs a step-by-step execution of the simulated tanking procedural operations and event timelines for final test-team training prior to Wet Dress Rehearsal (WDR),” said John Cipoletti, SLS Green Run deputy test director for Boeing. “The training sessions included simulated fault scenarios to fully exercise the team’s communication and protocols. They served as a final verification of our readiness for WDR and the successful integration of the latest Green Run software.”

The Wet Dress Rehersal will provide data to support the final test later this year – a full countdown and hot-fire for up to eight minutes, just like the integrated rocket will do on the launch pad to lift the Orion spacecraft on an uncrewed mission around the Moon.

A Boeing SLS Green Run test team member checks some data during the simulated countdown. The Green Run acceptance test will show that the Artemis I core stage and all future core stages will perform as intended, ensuring safety and success.

NASA photo