NASA completed a full duration, 650-second hot fire of the RS-25 accreditation engine on November 29, continuing a vital test series to support future SLS objectives to deep area as NASA checks out the tricks of the universe for the benefit of all. Credit: Danny Nowlin, NASA
NASAs third RS-25 engine test on November 29 was a key part of a 12-test series for certifying the engines utilized in the SLS rocket for Artemis objectives. The tests, which include advanced manufacturing procedures like 3D printing, goal to make sure dependability and performance for future lunar and Mars objectives. The engines are checked under severe conditions, surpassing their needed functional limitations to ensure safety and effectiveness.
NASA performed the third RS-25 engine hot fire in an important 12-test accreditation series on November 29, showing a crucial ability essential for flight of the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket throughout Artemis missions to the Moon and beyond.
Developments in Engine Manufacturing
NASA is conducting the series of tests to certify brand-new production processes for producing RS-25 engines for future deep area missions, beginning with Artemis V. Aerojet Rocketdyne, an L3Harris Technologies Company and lead engines specialist for the SLS rocket, is including brand-new production strategies and procedures, such as 3D printing, in production of brand-new RS-25 engines.
NASAs 3rd RS-25 engine test on November 29 was a crucial part of a 12-test series for licensing the engines used in the SLS rocket for Artemis objectives. The 650-second test exceeded the 500 seconds RS-25 engines need to operate to help power SLS to space. Every brand-new RS-25 engine that will assist power SLS also will be checked at NASA Stennis. RS-25 tests at the website are carried out by a combined group of NASA, Aerojet Rocketdyne, and Syncom Space Services operators.
NASA successfully completed a crucial RS-25 engine test for the SLS rocket, vital for future Artemis missions to the Moon and Mars. Credit: Danny Nowlin, NASA
Crews gimbaled, or pivoted, the RS-25 engine around a main point throughout the nearly 11-minute (650 seconds) hot fire on the Fred Haise Test Stand at NASAs Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. The gimbaling technique is used to control and stabilize SLS as it reaches orbit.
Pushing Performance Boundaries
Throughout the November 29 test, operators also pressed the engine beyond any parameters it may experience during flight to supply a margin of operational security. The 650-second test exceeded the 500 seconds RS-25 engines should run to assist power SLS to space. The RS-25 engine also was fired to 113% power level, surpassing the 111% level required to raise SLS to orbit.
The third RS-25 engine test on November 29 advances NASAs goal of certifying engines utilizing new manufacturing processes for deep area objectives. Credit: Danny Nowlin, NASA
Long-Term Mission Goals and Engine Testing
The continuous series will stretch into 2024 as NASA continues its mission to return people to the lunar surface to develop a long-lasting presence for scientific discovery and to prepare for human objectives to Mars.
4 RS-25 engines fire concurrently to create a combined 1.6 million pounds of thrust at launch and 2 million pounds of thrust during climb to assist power each SLS flight. NASA and Aerojet Rocketdyne modified 16 holdover area shuttle bus primary engines, all proven flightworthy at NASA Stennis, for Artemis objectives I through IV.
Comprehensive Testing at Stennis
Every brand-new RS-25 engine that will help power SLS also will be checked at NASA Stennis. RS-25 tests at the site are carried out by a combined team of NASA, Aerojet Rocketdyne, and Syncom Space Services operators. Syncom Space Services is the prime contractor for Stennis operations and facilities.