Why NASA Shot 450,000 Gallons of Water 100 Feet in the Air

NASA recently ran a test of its Ignition Overpressure Protection and Sound Suppression (IOP/SS) system in preparation for launches of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket. The IOP/SS is used to reduce the extreme heat and energy released by the rocket during takeoff.

In order to test the system, NASA had to shoot 450,000 gallons of water as high as 100 feet into the air.

The SLS rocket is meant to take people into deep space and potentially Mars. The first launch is tentatively scheduled for 2020.

Watch the fascinating test below.

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