US space agency Nasa will carry out an engine test on the world's most powerful rocket on Thursday, part of a larger plan to establish a base on the Moon by 2030.
This is the second core stage test of the Space Launch System (SLS). The first one in January ended prematurely after a problem with the hydraulics system.
The "Green Run hot-fire test" at the Stennis Space Centre in Mississippi will measure the performance of the giant rocket’s four engines.
If successful, it will help Nasa set a launch date for the Artemis I mission – an uncrewed test flight around the Moon that will check performance, life support and communication capabilities.
The initial launch date was scheduled for November 2021, but there could be a delay depending on the outcome on Thursday.
"Nasa's SLS rocket is the most powerful rocket in the world, built to send both astronauts aboard Orion [spacecraft] and supplies on missions to the Moon and beyond," Nasa said.
“The Green Run is a comprehensive test of the SLS core stage, a complex new rocket stage that not only includes four RS-25 engines and enormous propellant tanks that hold more than 700,000 gallons [2.46 million litres] of super-cold propellant, but also flight computers and avionics that control the first eight minutes of flight.”
When the engines fire, the test will simulate the core stage’s operation during launch, generating 725,474 kilograms of thrust.
The window for the test opens at 11pm tonight, Gulf Standard Time.
The Artemis programme
Nasa launched the programme to establish a human base on the Moon, a stepping stone to sending astronauts to Mars.
The space agency revealed plans for three Artemis missions under the programme.
It involves the development of the Lunar Gateway – a research station that will orbit the Moon.
Artemis I
If the Green Run test on Thursday satisfies Nasa, the core stage of the rocket will be shipped to the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida for integration with the Orion spacecraft.
The Artemis I mission will take off this year and pave the way for future crewed lunar missions.
Human beings have not been to the Moon since the last Apollo lunar mission in 1972.
Artemis II
The second flight will send the next man and first woman to the Moon by 2023. The crewed Orion spacecraft will do a flyby.
Nasa will conduct additional tests before launch, because astronauts will have to manually pilot the Orion for part of the flight.
The manual piloting will help the agency to assess the spacecraft’s hardware and software performance.
Artemis III
Astronauts will land on the lunar South Pole in 2024.
They would either directly board a commercial human landing system or dock to the Gateway after arrival.
Three commercial space companies – SpaceX, Blue Origin and Dynetics – are building human landers for the Artemis programme under a contract awarded by Nasa.
Astronauts will spend nearly seven days collecting samples and conducting science experiments on the surface. They will then use the Orion to return to Earth.
UAE's Mars mission - in pictures
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Zayed Sustainability Prize
At Eternity’s Gate
Director: Julian Schnabel
Starring: Willem Dafoe, Oscar Isaacs, Mads Mikkelsen
Three stars
Why your domicile status is important
Your UK residence status is assessed using the statutory residence test. While your residence status – ie where you live - is assessed every year, your domicile status is assessed over your lifetime.
Your domicile of origin generally comes from your parents and if your parents were not married, then it is decided by your father. Your domicile is generally the country your father considered his permanent home when you were born.
UK residents who have their permanent home ("domicile") outside the UK may not have to pay UK tax on foreign income. For example, they do not pay tax on foreign income or gains if they are less than £2,000 in the tax year and do not transfer that gain to a UK bank account.
A UK-domiciled person, however, is liable for UK tax on their worldwide income and gains when they are resident in the UK.
EA Sports FC 26
Publisher: EA Sports
Consoles: PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox Series X/S
Rating: 3/5
What are the influencer academy modules?
- Mastery of audio-visual content creation.
- Cinematography, shots and movement.
- All aspects of post-production.
- Emerging technologies and VFX with AI and CGI.
- Understanding of marketing objectives and audience engagement.
- Tourism industry knowledge.
- Professional ethics.
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
More on animal trafficking
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
Suggested picnic spots
Abu Dhabi
Umm Al Emarat Park
Yas Gateway Park
Delma Park
Al Bateen beach
Saadiyaat beach
The Corniche
Zayed Sports City
Dubai
Kite Beach
Zabeel Park
Al Nahda Pond Park
Mushrif Park
Safa Park
Al Mamzar Beach Park
Al Qudrah Lakes
Top 5 concerns globally:
1. Unemployment
2. Spread of infectious diseases
3. Fiscal crises
4. Cyber attacks
5. Profound social instability
Top 5 concerns in the Mena region
1. Energy price shock
2. Fiscal crises
3. Spread of infectious diseases
4. Unmanageable inflation
5. Cyber attacks
Source: World Economic Foundation
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Qyubic
Started: October 2023
Founder: Namrata Raina
Based: Dubai
Sector: E-commerce
Current number of staff: 10
Investment stage: Pre-seed
Initial investment: Undisclosed
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
Dhadak 2
Director: Shazia Iqbal
Starring: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Triptii Dimri
Rating: 1/5
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In-demand jobs and monthly salaries
- Technology expert in robotics and automation: Dh20,000 to Dh40,000
- Energy engineer: Dh25,000 to Dh30,000
- Production engineer: Dh30,000 to Dh40,000
- Data-driven supply chain management professional: Dh30,000 to Dh50,000
- HR leader: Dh40,000 to Dh60,000
- Engineering leader: Dh30,000 to Dh55,000
- Project manager: Dh55,000 to Dh65,000
- Senior reservoir engineer: Dh40,000 to Dh55,000
- Senior drilling engineer: Dh38,000 to Dh46,000
- Senior process engineer: Dh28,000 to Dh38,000
- Senior maintenance engineer: Dh22,000 to Dh34,000
- Field engineer: Dh6,500 to Dh7,500
- Field supervisor: Dh9,000 to Dh12,000
- Field operator: Dh5,000 to Dh7,000
At a glance
Global events: Much of the UK’s economic woes were blamed on “increased global uncertainty”, which can be interpreted as the economic impact of the Ukraine war and the uncertainty over Donald Trump’s tariffs.
Growth forecasts: Cut for 2025 from 2 per cent to 1 per cent. The OBR watchdog also estimated inflation will average 3.2 per cent this year
Welfare: Universal credit health element cut by 50 per cent and frozen for new claimants, building on cuts to the disability and incapacity bill set out earlier this month
Spending cuts: Overall day-to day-spending across government cut by £6.1bn in 2029-30
Tax evasion: Steps to crack down on tax evasion to raise “£6.5bn per year” for the public purse
Defence: New high-tech weaponry, upgrading HM Naval Base in Portsmouth
Housing: Housebuilding to reach its highest in 40 years, with planning reforms helping generate an extra £3.4bn for public finances
HIJRA
Starring: Lamar Faden, Khairiah Nathmy, Nawaf Al-Dhufairy
Director: Shahad Ameen
Rating: 3/5
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Oppenheimer
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Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
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