NASA intentionally destroys SLS rocket propellant tank

On June 24, 2020, NASA engineers completed the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket's structural testing for the Artemis lunar missions by locating the point of failure for the liquid oxygen tank. According to NASA:

For the final test, the liquid oxygen tank test article -- measuring 70 feet tall and 28 feet in diameter -- was bolted into a massive 185,000-pound steel ring at the base of Marshall's Test Stand 4697. Hydraulic cylinders were then calibrated and positioned all along the tank to apply millions of pounds of crippling force from all sides while engineers measured and recorded the effects of the launch and flight forces. The liquid oxygen tank circumferentially failed in the weld location as engineers predicted and at the approximate load levels expected, proving flight readiness and providing critical data for the tank's designers. The test concluded at approximately 9 p.m. CT. This final test on the liquid oxygen structural test article met all the program milestones.

So basically they blew up their own liquid oxygen tank to make sure it would fail where they expected it to fail. Sure, NASA. Sure. That's the same excuse I gave my girlfriend when I left the stove on and accidentally burned down part of our kitchen. It was just a test, honey, I meant to do it. I'm basically a NASA engineer.

Keep going for the full video.

Previous Story

Incredibly charming handmade cardboard Tetris

This is an extremely charming handmade cardboard Tetris game. I mean, I guess it's Tetris? The pieces are right and all, but this girl has at least...

Next Story

Gary Larson reveals new 'The Far Side' comic strips

Gary Larson teased he was working on something new awhile ago, but yesterday he finally posted some of his new work on his site. He writes: So...

Houston, We Have A Problem: Kid's Baby Tooth Pull Via Model Rocket Fail

This is a video of young Riley attempting to have one of her very front baby teeth pulled via a model rocket launch. It doesn't work, allegedly...

We Are NASA: An Inspirational Message About Space Exploration From NASA

This is a video of Mike Rowe narrating an inspirational message from NASA. Some more info while I write NASA and inform them they can rocket me...

Interpolated Apollo 16 rover footage creates an immersive moon-driving experience

YouTuber Dutchsteammachine took 16mm NASA footage of the Apollo 16 Lunar Roving Vehicle traversing to Station 4 and increased the framerate from 12fps to 60fps using DAIN-AI....

Compilation of model rocket launch failures

Joe Barnard is the guy behind BPS.space, a rocketry channel that explores the advancement of real space rockets by building similar components for model rockets. Obviously an...

NASA intentionally destroys SLS rocket propellant tank

\n\nOn June 24, 2020, NASA engineers completed the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket's structural testing for the Artemis lunar missions by locating the point of failure for the liquid oxygen tank. According to NASA:\n\n

For the final test, the liquid oxygen tank test article -- measuring 70 feet tall and 28 feet in diameter -- was bolted into a massive 185,000-pound steel ring at the base of Marshall's Test Stand 4697. Hydraulic cylinders were then calibrated and positioned all along the tank to apply millions of pounds of crippling force from all sides while engineers measured and recorded the effects of the launch and flight forces. The liquid oxygen tank circumferentially failed in the weld location as engineers predicted and at the approximate load levels expected, proving flight readiness and providing critical data for the tank's designers. The test concluded at approximately 9 p.m. CT. This final test on the liquid oxygen structural test article met all the program milestones.

\n\nSo basically they blew up their own liquid oxygen tank to make sure it would fail where they expected it to fail. Sure, NASA. Sure. That's the same excuse I gave my girlfriend when I left the stove on and accidentally burned down part of our kitchen. It was just a test, honey, I meant to do it. I'm basically a NASA engineer.\n\nKeep going for the full video.