NASA conducted the 10th certification test of an RS-25 engine June 8, continuing a critical hot fire series to facilitate production of new engines for future SLS (Space Launch System) missions to deep space.
Operators on the Fred Haise Test Stand at NASA’s Stennis Space Center fired the RS-25 certification engine for more than eight minutes (500 seconds), the same amount of time the four RS-25 engines must fire to help launch the SLS rocket for the Artemis missions to the Moon in preparation for future journeys to Mars.
The engine also fired as high as 113% power during the test, exceeding the 111% power level needed during launch and providing a margin of operational performance safety. There are two additional tests in this summer test series to certify production of new RS-25 engines by lead contractor Aerojet Rocketdyne.
The 11th test of the 12-part series is scheduled to occur June 15 between 1-3 p.m. CDT and will be broadcast live on NASA Stennis Facebook and YouTube. (NASA)