NASA's Latest Test Video Is Sure to Make Any Pyromaniac Salivate

NASA has inched one step closer to exploring "deep space destinations," including asteroids and even Mars.

The space agency on Wednesday heated a 1.6-million pound rocket booster to more than 5,600 degrees in what was the first test ahead of its Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft mission.

Image source: NASA

The second test, to cool the rocket booster to 40 degrees, is scheduled for early 2016. The data gathered from each test will give scientists and engineers valuable insight into how the booster works.

The test was conducted for two minutes, which is also the exact amount of time it will take for the Space Launch System to lift off, and resulted in an impressive 3.6 million pounds of thrust.

NASA said the booster will power two flight tests, the first of which will be capable of lifting 77 tons, while the second booster will try to lift 143 tons. Together, the two boosters will provide at least 75 percent of the total thrust required for the SPS to escape the pull of Earth's gravity.

See the incredible sights and sounds from the test, which could eventually land humans on Mars"

(H/T: The Verge)

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