NASA Engineers Break SLS Test Tank on Purpose to Test Extreme Limits

[Mike S]

NASA Engineers Break SLS Test Tank on Purpose to Test Extreme Limits

Engineers at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, on Dec. 5 deliberately pushed the world’s largest rocket fuel tank beyond its design limits to really understand its breaking point.

www.nasa.gov

Engineers at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, on Dec. 5 deliberately pushed the world’s largest rocket fuel tank beyond its design limits to really understand its breaking point. The test version of the Space Launch System rocket’s liquid hydrogen tank withstood more than 260% of expected flight loads over five hours before engineers detected a buckling point, which then ruptured. Engineers concluded the test at approximately 11 p.m.

Check out the video!

 

[WesL]

That is seriously amazing! Could you hear it from where you live?

 

[Mike S]

11pm on a Thursday night I was likely sound asleep. I don't remember hearing anything though my wife might have.

 

[bjdeming]

Holding 260% of expected flight loads for five hours is excellent! And thanks for sharing that awesome video.