Catastrophic Storm Seen from Space

We worked with our partner agencies to use space-based assets to capture imagery of Hurricane Harvey that impacted the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast region. Imagery captured from the vantage point of space, provides data that weather forecasters, emergency responders and other officials can use to better inform the public. Views from the International Space Station, and NOAA’s GOES East satellite showed the massive size and movement of the storm. While our Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Mission analyzed the storm’s record-breaking rainfall – which led to catastrophic flooding in Texas and Louisiana. Due to the storm, our Johnson Space Center in Houston is closed through Labor Day, while the region recovers, but Mission Control remains operational in support of the crew aboard the International Space Station.

Final RS-25 Engine Test of the Summer

On Aug. 30, we successfully tested one of our RS-25 engines, four of which will help power our Space Launch System, or SLS, to deep space destinations. This 500-second engine test concludes a summer of successful hot fire testing for flight controllers at our Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. The controller serves as the “brain” of the engine, communicating with SLS flight computers to ensure engines are performing at needed levels. The test marked another step toward the nation’s return to human deep-space exploration missions.

Key SLS Rocket Hardware Finished

The largest piece of hardware for SLS is ready for thermal insulation. Manufacturing is complete on the launch vehicle stage adapter that connects the two main launch vehicle stages of the rocket. It’s been moved to our Center for Advanced Manufacturing for the application of the spray-on foam insulation that will surround it during its ride to space.

Researching Quiet Supersonic Flight

The next round of research flights for the Sonic Booms in Atmospheric Turbulence, or SonicBAT project is underway at our Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Research from SonicBAT may one day lead to quiet supersonic flight over land.

And that’s what’s up this week @NASA …

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