May 6, 2024

Blasting Beyond: NASA Ignites New RS-25 Engine Test for Moon Missions

NASA completed a full duration, 550-second hot fire of the RS-25 accreditation engine on October 17, beginning a crucial test series to support future SLS (Space Launch System) objectives to deep space as NASA checks out the secrets of the universe for the advantage of all. Credit: NASA/ Danny Nowlin
NASA performed the very first hot fire of a brand-new RS-25 test series on October 17, beginning the final round of certification testing ahead of production of an upgraded set of the engines for the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket. The engines will help power future Artemis missions to the Moon and beyond.
On October 17, NASA started its newest RS-25 engine test series, a vital step for the accreditation of engines tailored for the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, predestined for future lunar and Mars objectives. Credit: NASA/ Danny Nowlin
Operators fired the RS-25 engine for more than nine minutes (550 seconds), longer than the 500 seconds engines should fire during an actual objective, on the Fred Haise Test Stand at NASAs Stennis Space Center, near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. Operators likewise fired the engine as much as the 111% power level required during an SLS launch. The hot fire marked the first in a series of 12 tests arranged to stretch into 2024. The tests are a key action for lead SLS engines contractor Aerojet Rocketdyne, an L3Harris Technologies company, to produce engines that will assist power the SLS rocket, beginning with Artemis V.
NASA has actually started a new RS-25 engine test series, marking a vital stage in the certification process for the engines that will power the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket for the upcoming Artemis objectives. Credit: NASA/ Danny Nowlin
The test series will collect data on the performance of a number of brand-new crucial engine elements, including a nozzle, hydraulic actuators, flex ducts, and turbopumps. 4 RS-25 engines assist power SLS at launch, including on its Artemis objectives to the Moon.

The RS-25 engine, integral for NASAs Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, underwent its very first test in a new series on October 17, as NASA gets ready for its Artemis missions to the Moon and beyond. Credit: NASA/ Danny Nowlin
The Space Launch System (SLS) is NASAs advanced rocket system, engineered to carry astronauts and essential payloads on the agencys deep-space exploration missions, including journeys to the Moon and Mars. As the foundation of NASAs Artemis program, the SLS is designed to develop into various setups to meet a variety of mission needs, making it the most effective rocket ever built.
Its primary objective is to support NASAs more comprehensive goals of restoring human lunar presence and eventually sending astronauts to Mars. As a versatile heavy-lift launch vehicle, the SLS will operate in tandem with the Orion spacecraft to assist in these enthusiastic area exploration ventures, boosting the limits of human reach in space.
Setting the stage for future lunar expeditions, NASA has actually kicked off its newest RS-25 engine test series for the SLS rocket, with the spotlight on the upcoming Artemis missions. Credit: NASA/ Danny Nowlin
NASAs Artemis program is a groundbreaking effort intending to return people to the Moon and lay the structure for future crewed missions to Mars. Following in the steps of the Apollo objectives, Artemis looks for to develop sustainable lunar expedition by 2024 and includes landing the first female and the next male on the Moons South Pole.
Through the program, NASA plans to produce a tactical collaboration with global and commercial partners, therefore improving worldwide space exploration efforts. The program is developed to take advantage of the Gateway lunar orbiter for numerous crewed missions and use the Moon as a screening ground to prepare for the obstacles of Martian explorations.

Operators fired the RS-25 engine for more than 9 minutes (550 seconds), longer than the 500 seconds engines should fire throughout an actual objective, on the Fred Haise Test Stand at NASAs Stennis Space Center, near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. The tests are a key action for lead SLS engines specialist Aerojet Rocketdyne, an L3Harris Technologies business, to produce engines that will help power the SLS rocket, starting with Artemis V.
NASA has begun started new RS-25 engine test series, marking an essential important in the certification process for the engines that will power the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket for the upcoming Artemis missionsObjectives Credit: NASA/ Danny Nowlin
The test series will gather information on the efficiency of numerous brand-new essential engine elements, including a nozzle, hydraulic actuators, flex ducts, and turbopumps. 4 RS-25 engines help power SLS at launch, including on its Artemis objectives to the Moon.