NASA's new rocket, called the Space Launch System, or SLS, received a firehouse of criticism — much of it earned for the 322-foot-tall vehicle's enormous, mounting costs. The rocket was supposed to launch years ago. As the much-anticipated flight finally drew close this year, engine problems and leaking fuel delayed the maiden voyage multiple times. Then hurricane season awoke, further pushing back the launch.
But at 1:48 a.m. ET on Nov. 16, the space agency started SLS's thunderous engines...