At NASA Stennis, an essential full-duration RS-25 hot fire engine test marks considerable progress in the Artemis program, intending for lunar and Martian expedition. Credit: NASA/Danny NowlinNASAs recent full-duration RS-25 engine hot fire test at Stennis Space Center marks a considerable step in certifying new engines for the SLS rocket, intended for future Artemis objectives to the Moon and beyond, showcasing the collaborative efforts between NASA, Aerojet Rocketdyne, and Syncom Space Services.NASA performed a full-duration RS-25 engine hot fire on March 6, continuing a final round of certification screening for the production of brand-new engines to help power the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket on future Artemis missions to the Moon and beyond.The RS-25 engine hot fire test went beyond launch period needs, proving its preparedness for the Artemis missions to the Moon. Credit: NASA/Danny NowlinThe full-duration test on the Fred Haise Test Stand at NASAs Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, marked the ninth in a scheduled 12-test series. Engineers are collecting test data to license an upgraded engine production process, using innovative manufacturing strategies, for lead engines professional Aerojet Rocketdyne, an L3Harris Technologies company.NASA engineers at Stennis verify the RS-25 engines performance for the Space Launch System, important for upcoming Artemis flights. Credit: NASA/Danny NowlinDuring the March 6 test, Operators fired the certification engine for 10 minutes (600 seconds), longer than the amount of time required to assist release the SLS rocket and send astronauts aboard the Orion spacecraft into orbit. The test team likewise fired the engine at power levels in between 80% and 113% to check performance in multiple scenarios.Four RS-25 engines, along with a set of strong rocket boosters, launch NASAs powerful SLS rocket, producing more than 8.8 million pounds of thrust at liftoff for Artemis missions.NASAs full-duration test of the RS-25 engine at the Stennis Center leads the way for the next generation of lunar expedition. Credit: NASA/Danny NowlinThrough Artemis, NASA will develop the foundation for long-lasting clinical exploration at the Moon, land the very first woman, very first individual of color, and very first international partner astronaut on the lunar surface, and get ready for human expeditions to Mars for the advantage of all. RS-25 tests at NASA Stennis are conducted by a diverse group of operators from NASA, Aerojet Rocketdyne, and Syncom Space Services, prime contractor for site centers and operations.
