NASA successfully tests SLS rocket that will help Artemis astronauts reach the moon

The Space Launch System rocket that will launch NASA's Artemis astronauts into space on their way to the moon went through a final and successful hot-fire test of the core stage on Thursday.

The test took place at NASA's Stennis Space Center outside Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, and began at 4:40 p.m. ET. The test lasted for just over eight minutes. "The SLS is the most powerful rocket NASA has ever built, and during today's test the core stage of the rocket generated more than 1.6 million pounds of thrust within seven seconds. The SLS is an incredible feat of engineering and the only rocket capable of powering America's next-generation missions that will place the first woman and the next man on the Moon," said acting NASA Administrator Steve Jurczyk in a statement.