Area residents advised to expect elevated propulsion test acoustics
Area residents are advised to expect elevated decibel levels as Stennis Space Center targets Saturday, Jan. 16, for the final hot fire test in the Green Run test series on NASA’s new Space Launch System core stage. The acoustic level is not expected to reach high enough to have any damaging effect.
A drone image shows the core stage of NASA’s new Space Launch System rocket installed on the B-2 Test Stand at Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Miss.
The anticipated test will involve firing four RS-25 engines to produce a combined 1.6 million pounds of thrust. The acoustic level produced is expected to be about 10-20 decibels higher than during a normal single engine test at the site.
The actual acoustic level experienced by area residents will depend on their location relative to the test site and the prevailing weather conditions.
NASA is targeting a two-hour test window that opens at 4 p.m. CST Jan. 16, for the hot fire test of the SLS core stage. Live coverage will begin at 4:20 p.m. on NASA Television and the agency’s website, followed by a post-test briefing approximately two hours after the test concludes.
Due to COVID-19 protocols, there will be no public test viewing opportunity on site.
For more information about Stennis Space Center, visit:
Valerie Buckingham Stennis Space Center, Bay St. Louis, Miss. 228-304-5038 valerie.d.buckingham@nasa.gov
