Spectacular moment 450,000 gallons of water is released over NASA rocket launch pad

Around 450,000 gallons of water was released onto the launchpad in one minute (Picture: NASA)

This is the spectacular moment around 450,000 gallons of water is released onto a rocket launch pad in order to cool it down after take-off.

NASA shared the footage of a test being carried out at Kennedy Space Center in Florida ahead of an upcoming launch.

It shows the enormous volume of water being shot 100 ft up into the air before crashing down onto the launch pad and cascading away in just one minute.

The so-called Ignition Overpressure Protection and Sound Suppression water deluge system is designed to reduce “extreme heat and energy” generated by a rocket launch.

Around 450,000 gallons of water was released onto the launchpad in one minute (NASA)

“The test is part of preparation for launching our Space Launch System rocket on Exploration Mission-1 and subsequent missions,” NASA said.

“Modifications were made to the pad after a previous wet flow test, increasing the performance of the system.

The system is designed to reduce “extreme heat and energy” generated by a rocket launch (NASA)

“During launch, this water deluge system will release approximately 450,000 gallons of water across the mobile launcher and Flame Deflector.”

Exploration Mission-1 is set to launch in June 2020. It will be the first unscrewed flight of the Space Launch System, which is set to be the most powerful rocket booster in history.