Two of the RS-25 engines are upgraded Space Shuttle Main Engines (SSMEs) that flew before and two will make their inaugural flight on the Artemis II mission. Slated to launch in 2024, all
'The installation process for Artemis II went very smoothly because we were able to incorporate many lessons learned from the Artemis I mission,' said
The RS-25 engines for the initial SLS rockets that will power the early Artemis missions were upgraded with new controllers and other features to enable deep space exploration. All four Artemis II engines have at least one component that flew aboard Space Shuttle Columbia during STS-1, the first shuttle mission. Engine 2047 flew on STS-135, the final shuttle mission, while engine 2059 flew on STS-134, the program's penultimate flight. Between them, engines 2047 and 2059 flew 20 space shuttle missions.
Engine numbers 2062 and 2063 are unique among the 16 engines from the shuttle inventory, as they have never flown in space, although they do contain some components, such as high- and low-pressure pumps and valves that have.
'Engine 2062 has the distinction of being the last engine built for the shuttle program, as engine 2063 was assembled specifically for SLS and outfitted from the start with the modern controller used on all RS-25s,' said Muddle. 'Both engines were test fired on the ground at NASA Stennis.'
Over the coming weeks, the SLS core stage for Artemis II will undergo a series of electronic, pneumatic and hydraulic tests to verify full integration before being shipped by
Starting with its fifth mission, SLS will use brand new RS-25 engines that will cost 30% less than the engines produced for the shuttle program. Major components for these engines are already being built by
'These new RS-25 engines will propel NASA and all of humanity to new heights, all thanks to the trail blazed by the legacy SSMEs,' added Muddle.
Contact:
Tel: 214-430-8872
Email: Marcella.Thompson@L3Harris.com
(C) 2023 Electronic News Publishing, source