NASA intends to update key components of the Artemis mission architecture, including replacing the Space Shuttle-era engines with the new RS-25E. The space agency tested this model for the first time on December 14 at the Stennis Space Center in Mississippi. In just under three and a half minutes, the fire test was over, which may not be a good sign.
The procedure is also known as the ‘confidence test’, which involves firing the single engine, designed to confirm that the RS-25 is ready to proceed with certification testing – which is due to take place early this year. next. These engines will likely be on the Artemis V and VI missions, scheduled for 2028 and 2029, respectively.
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These missions will be manned and will take astronauts directly to the surface of the Moon, as well as the Lunar Terrain Vehicle (LTV) and the final Gateway elements – the European Infrastructure Resupply and Telecommunications Delivery System (ESPRIT) and the airlock of the bridge. module. .
In a statement, Johnny Heflin, manager of the SLS liquid engine office at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, explained the importance of hot testing. For him, “the test campaigns are dynamic events that allow us to learn more regarding the material of the SLS rocket”. The analysis of the data obtained during the test of 14 is still in progress.
As soon as NASA and Aerojet Rocketdyne have finished analyzing the data, the monitoring system will be reviewed in order, in addition to evaluating engine performance, to understand the reason that led to the premature termination of the test at fire. As the test did not involve engines intended for use by missions in the near future, a longer review will not affect NASA’s flight program.
With the end of the Artemis I mission, NASA and Aerojet Rocketdyne – its prime contractor developing propulsion elements for Artemis – are moving forward with testing and development of new mission elements. Another component, known as the powerhead, has already been integrated. In addition, additional components (a new mouthpiece and a new controller) will be installed before the series of certifications.
“Each test, even one that doesn’t fully last, helps us collect valuable data to fly safely,” said Chip Ellis, Stennis RS-25 project manager. The intention is to make an instrument powerful enough to take astronauts beyond low Earth orbit for the first time in more than 50 years.
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