In a critical step for America’s lunar ambitions, NASA and L3Harris Technologies have successfully conducted a hot-fire test of the second newly manufactured RS-25 engine destined for the Artemis V mission. The full-duration, 500-second test at NASA’s Stennis Space Center saw the engine perform at 111% of its original rated power, demonstrating the performance and reliability required to launch astronauts.
This milestone is part of a broader transition for the Space Launch System (SLS). While the first four Artemis missions will use upgraded space shuttle-era RS-25 engines, Artemis V will debut a suite of engines built with modern techniques. Under the direction of L3Harris’ Aerojet Rocketdyne division, the new production line incorporates advanced manufacturing, including 3D printing, which has reduced overall production costs by approximately 30% without sacrificing the engine’s legendary power or dependability.
“By leveraging these advanced techniques, we’re delivering engines that are more cost effective while maintaining the power and reliability needed to propel Artemis missions to the Moon and beyond,” said Kristin Houston, President of Space Propulsion and Power Systems at Aerojet Rocketdyne, L3Harris. She also connected the program’s progress to the nation’s spirit, noting, “As we approach America’s 250th anniversary… it’s fitting that we’re advancing the Artemis program that embodies the pioneering spirit of our nation.”
Four RS-25 engines are used on every SLS core stage, working in concert with solid rocket boosters to produce the immense thrust needed for deep space missions. The Artemis program relies on this proven yet evolving powerplant to establish a sustainable human presence on the lunar surface, serving as a foundational technology for future crewed missions to Mars. The successful testing of flight-ready engines ensures NASA and its partners remain on track to meet the complex launch manifest for returning humans to the Moon.
