1 00:00:00,481 --> 00:00:01,978 (upbeat music) 2 00:00:01,978 --> 00:00:03,681 - NASA's mission to deep space and beyond 3 00:00:03,681 --> 00:00:04,907 has already started, 4 00:00:04,907 --> 00:00:07,298 with the Space Launch System being built as we speak. 5 00:00:07,298 --> 00:00:08,482 For its mission to be successful 6 00:00:08,482 --> 00:00:10,485 each of its parts must work both individually 7 00:00:10,485 --> 00:00:12,730 and in harmony with all of the others. 8 00:00:12,730 --> 00:00:14,395 It's kind of like a stage play. 9 00:00:14,395 --> 00:00:16,477 Each individual performer has to know their lines, 10 00:00:16,477 --> 00:00:17,882 and they all have to be on the same page 11 00:00:17,882 --> 00:00:20,433 so they're telling the same story when the curtain goes up. 12 00:00:20,433 --> 00:00:21,744 So, how do we make sure that SLS 13 00:00:21,744 --> 00:00:23,885 is ready to perform on opening night? 14 00:00:23,885 --> 00:00:25,976 Well, the rocket science version of practice makes perfect 15 00:00:25,976 --> 00:00:29,104 is testing, testing, and more testing. 16 00:00:29,104 --> 00:00:31,092 - [Neil] It's one small step for man. 17 00:00:31,092 --> 00:00:32,855 (upbeat music) 18 00:00:32,855 --> 00:00:34,485 - Traveling through space is hard. 19 00:00:34,485 --> 00:00:36,244 That's why NASA's Space Launch System 20 00:00:36,244 --> 00:00:39,006 will have to be the most powerful rocket in the world. 21 00:00:39,006 --> 00:00:40,478 How is SLS able to meet the challenges 22 00:00:40,478 --> 00:00:42,515 of exploring deep space? 23 00:00:42,515 --> 00:00:45,295 Well, when it comes to our journey to Mars and beyond 24 00:00:45,295 --> 00:00:47,378 there are no small steps. 25 00:00:49,390 --> 00:00:52,195 So, SLS is very far along, which is exciting. 26 00:00:52,195 --> 00:00:54,738 However, before NASA sends humans out into deep space, 27 00:00:54,738 --> 00:00:57,097 the rocket has to undergo thorough testing procedures, 28 00:00:57,097 --> 00:00:59,188 and there's just no way to rush that. 29 00:00:59,188 --> 00:01:00,329 Before SLS is boarded, 30 00:01:00,329 --> 00:01:01,162 each of its parts must pass 31 00:01:01,162 --> 00:01:03,045 a strenuous certification process. 32 00:01:03,045 --> 00:01:04,986 Now, the rocket's been designed, so we have our script, 33 00:01:04,986 --> 00:01:06,412 and all the roles have been cast 34 00:01:06,412 --> 00:01:09,252 but we're not ready for a debut performance yet. 35 00:01:09,252 --> 00:01:10,660 In our other episodes we've talked about 36 00:01:10,660 --> 00:01:12,379 how many different forces are at play 37 00:01:12,379 --> 00:01:13,932 during launch and space travel. 38 00:01:13,932 --> 00:01:15,160 The effects of each of those forces 39 00:01:15,160 --> 00:01:18,130 must be rehearsed, from the biggest to the smallest role. 40 00:01:18,130 --> 00:01:20,694 One recent rehearsal was the Qualification Motor Firing, 41 00:01:20,694 --> 00:01:21,527 or QM-2, 42 00:01:22,901 --> 00:01:24,926 which tested a major player in the SLS cast, 43 00:01:24,926 --> 00:01:26,606 the Solid Rocket Booster. 44 00:01:26,606 --> 00:01:28,191 Now, as fun as all the smoke and fire 45 00:01:28,191 --> 00:01:29,989 of an event like QM-2 can be, 46 00:01:29,989 --> 00:01:32,782 most testing is less dramatic, but it's still important. 47 00:01:32,782 --> 00:01:34,530 A light goes on during engine tests 48 00:01:34,530 --> 00:01:35,748 and it's easy to see that parts of the rocket 49 00:01:35,748 --> 00:01:36,772 are under pressure. 50 00:01:36,772 --> 00:01:38,314 But a failed stress test on a fuel tank 51 00:01:38,314 --> 00:01:40,900 might reveal a barely-visible hairline fracture 52 00:01:40,900 --> 00:01:44,019 which, despite its size, could still threaten the mission. 53 00:01:44,019 --> 00:01:46,503 It's kind of like how if Romeo doesn't hit his big line... 54 00:01:46,503 --> 00:01:49,384 - But soft, what light through yonder... 55 00:01:49,384 --> 00:01:52,929 - Then Juliet doesn't get the cue for her line. 56 00:01:52,929 --> 00:01:54,760 Considering the various roles on SLS, 57 00:01:54,760 --> 00:01:56,471 let's take a look at some of the many tests 58 00:01:56,471 --> 00:01:59,442 that it has undergone, or has coming up. 59 00:01:59,442 --> 00:02:02,489 Thermal vacuum, electrical discharge, debris impact, 60 00:02:02,489 --> 00:02:04,652 avionics power quality, thermal protection system, 61 00:02:04,652 --> 00:02:07,043 engine adaption, acoustic, wind tunnel, fit checks, 62 00:02:07,043 --> 00:02:09,377 actuator, base heating, materials, structures, green run, 63 00:02:09,377 --> 00:02:11,632 cold flow, controller, ultrasonic, valves, x-ray imaging, 64 00:02:11,632 --> 00:02:15,644 flight test, pyrotechnics, shell buckling knockdown factor. 65 00:02:15,644 --> 00:02:17,832 So, yeah, there's a good amount of work to be done. 66 00:02:17,832 --> 00:02:19,476 That brings us back to an earlier point. 67 00:02:19,476 --> 00:02:20,581 NASA engineers have developed 68 00:02:20,581 --> 00:02:22,984 extremely effective testing processes over the years, 69 00:02:22,984 --> 00:02:24,477 and they're dedicated to taking the time 70 00:02:24,477 --> 00:02:25,673 to combine these powerful parts 71 00:02:25,673 --> 00:02:27,985 with the care and precision they require. 72 00:02:27,985 --> 00:02:29,068 As with any performance, 73 00:02:29,068 --> 00:02:31,435 we only get one chance to make a first impression. 74 00:02:31,435 --> 00:02:33,668 Because of all of this thoughtful and rigorous testing, 75 00:02:33,668 --> 00:02:35,345 NASA expects the Space Launch System 76 00:02:35,345 --> 00:02:37,142 to get a standing ovation.