The space launch system was designed to return US astronauts to the moon by 2024 as part of NASA's Artemus program during an engine test on Saturday.

All four of the SLS is engines were ignited together for the first time, but that only lasted over a minute, well below the roughly eight minute target for the test designed to simulate the internal conditions of a real lift off.

It was a crucial test meant to cap a nearly year long campaign by NASA and Boeing before a debut unmanned launch later this year.

The premature end of Saturday's test is just the latest in a series of setbacks.

The SLS is three years behind schedule and nearly $3 billion over budget.

It also faces mounting competition from rival heavy lifters in the aerospace market.

Like Elon Musk's Space six.

It's unclear if there will be another test before its official launch, but the projects program manager told reporters that decision may come as soon as next month.