In a significant step toward returning humans to the Moon, L3Harris Technologies has successfully completed a critical hot-fire test of the second new-production RS-25 engine for NASA’s Artemis V mission. The test, conducted at NASA’s Stennis Space Center, marks a pivotal shift in the program, transitioning from refurbished heritage engines to a new, more cost-effective generation of propulsion.
The recent test saw the engine fire for a full 500-second duration, simulating the intense demands of an actual SLS launch. The engine performed flawlessly, operating at 111% of its original rated power level—a necessary thrust increase for the heavy-lift Artemis missions. This successful demonstration validates the engine’s readiness to join the core stage of the powerful Space Launch System rocket.
What sets these engines apart is their modernized manufacturing. While the first four Artemis missions will utilize upgraded RS-25 engines originally built for the Space Shuttle program, Artemis V will be the first to fly with newly manufactured units. By incorporating advanced techniques such as 3D printing and other cost-saving measures, L3Harris has reduced production costs by approximately 30% without compromising the engine’s legendary power and reliability.
Kristin Houston, President of Space Propulsion and Power Systems at Aerojet Rocketdyne, L3Harris, connected the milestone to the nation’s spirit of innovation. “As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, we are advancing a program that embodies the pioneering character of our nation,” Houston stated. “These new engines are more affordable to produce, ensuring a sustainable path for deep space exploration.”
Each SLS rocket is powered by a cluster of four RS-25 engines, which are critical for launching the Orion spacecraft and its crew toward the Moon. The success of this second engine test ensures the continued momentum of the Artemis program, laying the foundation for a long-term lunar presence and serving as a proving ground for future human missions to Mars.
