NASA releases MEGAROCKET engine test video ahead of next manned Moon mission

The test is part of a larger effort to get the massive SLS megarocket ready to bring astronauts to the moon in the 2020s for the Lunar Gateway space station.

This could culminate in a landing on the moon in 2024 if the wishes of President Trump’s administration are fulfilled in time.

NASA head Jim Bridenstine has admitted the agency will need to accelerate their SLS work schedule to meet the new moon-landing new deadline.

However, NASA’s recent budget request for 2020 pushed back updates to the SLS, which is still under construction.

Late last month, NASA and SLS prime contractor Boeing revealed they have almost completed the outfitting of the core stage engine section for the first flight of SLS, which is scheduled to take place in 2020.

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