NASA Prepares for Crucial Tests on Updated RS-25 Engine for Artemis Missions to the Moon
NASA is gearing up for a series of crucial tests on the updated RS-25 engine, which will power the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket for upcoming Artemis missions to the Moon. The RS-25 engine, which played a pivotal role during the Space Shuttle era, continues to be a key focus as NASA looks to the future of space exploration.
The certification tests, scheduled to extend into 2024, will take place at the Fred Haise Test Stand located within NASA’s Stennis Space Center in Mississippi. A total of 12 tests are planned, each lasting at least 500 seconds to reflect genuine launch durations.
The tests will use the developmental engine E0525 to finalize and certify the design of the RS-25 engine. This engine’s components align with the design features used during the initial certification test series completed in June. Through these tests, NASA aims to gather essential data on the engine’s performance and reliability.
“The test team takes great care to ensure these engines will operate as designed to launch NASA payloads and astronauts to the Moon and beyond,” said Chip Ellis, project manager for RS-25 testing at Stennis.
The updated RS-25 engine boasts several new key components, including a nozzle, hydraulic actuators, flex ducts, and turbopumps. Testing will be conducted at power levels ranging from 80% to 113%, with the highest power level serving to establish reliable safety margins. While the initial four Artemis missions utilized modified Space Shuttle main engines capable of achieving up to 109% power, the new RS-25 engines can reach up to 111% power, according to NASA.
Mike Lauer, RS-25 deputy program manager at Aerojet Rocketdyne, explained that testing a second set of hardware will ensure repeatability and sound processes for building the new engines. The successful testing of the brand-new certification engine proved that the engineering was sound and capable of meeting requirements at operating extremes and durations.
Once the tests are complete, NASA, along with Aerojet Rocketdyne as the lead SLS engines contractor, will produce 24 new RS-25 engines featuring the updated design. These engines will first be used in the Artemis 5 mission scheduled for 2028, marking an important step for NASA as it seeks to restart RS-25 engine production.
The upcoming test series will include the engine reaching up to 111% power during the first test on October 5, which is set to last 550 seconds. The longest test is projected to be 650 seconds, contributing to a cumulative 6,350 seconds of hot fire throughout the entire test series. One of the important challenges to be examined during the tests is the engine’s pivot capability, known as the gimbal test.
While progress is being made in the preparation for upcoming Artemis missions, a recent report has raised concerns about the affordability of the SLS rocket. The cost of the rocket, along with uncertainties surrounding the actual costs and potential delays, has led to calls for NASA to reconsider its spending on the SLS program.
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