NASA conducted 2nd test of world's most-powerful RS-25 rocket

NASA’s Exploration Mission-1 has stepped closer to reality, as the space agency completed the second flight controller tests for the engines that will power its ‘megarocket.’
Engineers conducted a 500-second test on the component said to be the ‘brain’ of the RS-25 engines – the four engines that will simultaneously provide 2 million pounds of thrust for the Space Launch System (SLS).
NASA previously tested the first flight controller in March ahead of installation in one of the EM-1 engines, and once they’ve reviewed the new data, the second controller will be installed.
The test on May 23 was conducted on the A-1 Test Stand at NASA’s Stennis Space Center in Mississippi, and lasted for more than eight minutes.
It came after a facility issue caused the test to be rescheduled from May 16.
According to the space agency, the flight controllers are crucial to the maiden flight of the SLS rocket, and are a ‘key modification’ for the engines, which are former space shuttle main engines.
‘The component is often cited as the RS-25 ‘brain’ that allows communication between the engine and the rocket,’ according to NASA.
‘Prior to flight, engine performance specifications, such as percentage of thrust needed, are programed into the controller.
‘The controller then communicates the specifications and ensures these are being met by monitoring and controlling such factors as propellant mixture ratio and thrust level.'