After these tests, we will know the date of the Artemis mission. NASA is getting ready to try to fire the RS-25 engines of the SLS rocket

At the time of writing, the 322-meter SLS rocket, owned by NASA, is currently being tested. They were announced on March 29 and it was announced that, as part of this test, the tanks would be refilled with liquid hydrogen and oxygen on April 3, which would be accompanied by comprehensive preparation of the rocket for take-off, but without the final ignition of the engines.

The attempt to fire the RS-25 engines of the SLS rocket will end just before ignition

The test results will help launch planners determine the date of the first real SLS launch, when the rocket will launch the Orion unmanned spacecraft towards the moon on the first Artemis mission. The test itself was divided into two phases – the first one focused on the mentioned Orion, and the second one focused on the rocket itself.

The latter element of the test will come down to starting the complicated process of loading liquid oxygen and liquid nitrogen into the SLS rocket, which will take up to 5 hours. At 2:00 PM ET on Sunday, the test director will conduct a final briefing and a 30-minute countdown will begin, culminating in a manual command to stop the start. Upon completion of the test, technicians will empty and inspect the equipment before moving it back to the vehicle assembly building.

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According to NASA, these tests are essential to the success of the Artemis program, which aims to land people on the moon and build infrastructure there in the late years of this decade. Contrary to tradition, NASA will not broadcast its internal messages or provide live comments during the test, claiming that hostile countries could use this information to develop weapons.