L3Harris Technologies, in partnership with NASA, has test-fired the second RS-25 engine that will power the core stage of the Space Launch System rocket for the Artemis V space mission.
The test, conducted at NASA’s Stennis Space Center in Mississippi, validated the engine’s performance and reliability, L3Harris said Wednesday.
Table of Contents
What Did the RS-25 Engine Test Demonstrate?
The hot fire test lasted for about 500 seconds, exactly how long engines must fire during a real space mission. The engine also reached 111 percent of its rated power level during the firing.
Led by NASA, the test evaluated engine performance, durability and reliability. It marks the second flight-ready engine produced using modern manufacturing methods, including 3D printing, reducing production costs by 30 percent, according to L3Harris.
“As we approach America’s 250th anniversary next year, it’s fitting that we’re advancing the Artemis program that embodies the pioneering spirit of our nation,” said Kristin Houston, president of space propulsion and power systems at L3Harris subsidiary Aerojet Rocketdyne. “By leveraging advanced manufacturing 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.”
L3Harris and NASA also conducted a full-duration hot fire test of the engine in June to evaluate its launch performance.
What Makes the RS-25 Engine Critical to Artemis?
The RS-25 is a liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen-powered staged-combustion engine that evolved from the Space Shuttle main engine. The RS-25 is expected to deliver 512,300 pounds of vacuum thrust at 109 percent power.
Each SLS launch uses four RS-25 engines that collectively generate about two million pounds of thrust to propel NASA’s Orion spacecraft toward the moon. The agency has already completed installation of the first of 24 planned RS-25 engines for future Artemis missions.
Related Articles
President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed into law a bipartisan funding measure to end the 43-day government shutdown. The Hill reported that the Senate approved the legislation earlier in the week with a 60-40 vote, as eight Democrats joined 52 Republicans to send the bill to the House. The lower chamber voted 222-209 on Wednesday to pass the measure, with six Democrats breaking ranks to join nearly all Republicans in support. What Are the Provisions of the Spending Measure? The newly enacted law extends current funding levels through Jan. 30, ensuring that government operations remain funded while lawmakers continue work
The U.S. Army is creating six portfolio acquisition executives, or PAEs, as part of an acquisition reorganization aimed at accelerating the delivery of weapons systems and technology to warfighters, Breaking Defense reported Wednesday. Gain exclusive insights into how the service is driving toward its 2030 goals at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Army Summit on June 18. Reserve your seat today! According to Army officials, the move is designed to cut bureaucracy, reduce paperwork and accelerate the acquisition process by as much as 30 to 50 percent. “We had previously created a system that was wildly risk averse and …
A bipartisan group of senators has introduced the Guaranteeing Access and Innovation for National Artificial Intelligence Act, a proposal that would require chipmakers to give U.S. companies, startups and universities priority access to advanced AI chips before exporting them to China or other countries of concern. The GAIN AI Act highlights the increasing pressure to align rapid AI advancement with the policy frameworks needed to support it. Similar concerns will anchor discussions at the Potomac Offices Club’s 2026 Artificial Intelligence Summit on March 19, offering agencies timely insight into navigating the accelerating AI landscape. Reserve your seat now to be