Big rockets with big boosters mean that big precautions need to be taken. That's why NASA has equipped their new space launch pad with the ability to spray 1 million gallons of water within just one minute.
The new launch pad is for the upcoming Artemis 1 mission and has been titled Pad 39B. Since NASA are planning their Moon landing mission and want to ensure as much safety for the crew aboard the shuttle, the space agency has recently tested their dousing power in-case of an emergency. The test which just lasted a mere 30 seconds showcased that the pad can spray 450,000 gallons of water onto the parts of the launch pad that would experience the most heat/noise.
Nic Moss, Deputy Project Manager for the launchpad said that when the SLS rocket takes off it will be extremely loud, which is where the water comes in. "SLS will create about 176 decibels at liftoff, which is significantly louder than a jetliner", "the sheets of water created by the flow will curb that sound by knocking it down a few decibels."