Northrop Grumman and NASA conducted a dramatic static-fire test of a booster for an SLS (Space Launch System) rocket last week. According to NASA, the five-segment booster rocket fired for more than two minutes, producing 3.9 million pounds (1.76 million ...

With Artemis II, SLS could become the most powerful rocket ever to launch humans. Its four main engines burn roughly 700,000 gallons of ultra-cold fuel, producing enough oomph to keep eight Boeing 747s aloft. Future versions of SLS, if they come to fruition, could deliver even greater power.

A growing cadence … The Ariane 6 rocket has launched five times, including its debut flight in July 2024. All of the launches were a success, although the first flight failed to relight the upper stage in order to make a controlled reentry. Arianespace increased the cadence to four launches last year and will seek to try to double that this year.

This Atlas V launch will see the rocket quickly propelled off the pad under the power of 5 solid rocket boosters — giving a great show to those watching. Rockets launched from Kennedy Space Center or Cape Canaveral have also been seen as far as Myrtle ...