Watch: Rocket tasked with launching humans to the Moon explodes during testing
The 156-foot motor ignited at 12:25 PM MDT, burning over 1.4 million pounds of propellant while generating more than 4 million pounds of thrust.WATCH DM-1 TEST EXPLOSION Approximately 130 seconds into the test, slow-motion footage captured debris exiting the nozzle followed by "energetic liberation" of the entire nozzle assembly. The failure manifested as an abrupt brightening of the exhaust plume before the nozzle's violent disintegration.Despite the anomaly, the motor achieved its primary objective of demonstrating full-scale ballistic performance under ambient conditions (60F), with 763 data channels recording critical metrics.Designed for NASA's future SLS Block 2 rockets, the BOLE motor represents a significant evolution from current boosters:Composite casings replace steel, reducing massUpgraded HTPB propellant replaces PBAN formulationElectronic thrust vector control eliminates hydraulic systemsLarger nozzle (4.4m diameter vs. 3.9m) enhances performanceadvertisementThese innovations aimed to increase specific impulse by 3.9% and payload capacity by 5 metric tons for lunar missions.The test motor featured carbon-fiber casings with lightning-protection copper wiring, though flight versions would be painted white.As the first of two planned development tests, the anomaly provides crucial data for refining the BOLE design. Engineers will analyse insulation performance, ablative materials, and thrust vector behaviour recorded during the test.However, the program faces uncertainty due to proposed NASA budget cuts threatening SLS Block 2 development.The BOLE boosters—destined for Artemis IX in the 2030s—depend on congressional budget negotiations reversing administration cuts to maintain viability beyond Artemis V missions.- EndsMust Watch
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