Aerojet Rocketdyne technicians inspect the engine controller for the first integrated flight of NASA’s Space Launch System and Orion. The engine controller was installed on RS-25 development engine no. 0528 for testing at Stennis Space Center. The engine controller is a modern version from the RS-25 controller that helped propel all of the space shuttle missions to space. The controller manages the engine by regulating the thrust and fuel mixture ratio and monitors the engine’s health and status – much like the computer in your car. The RS-25 and controller work are a collaborative effort between NASA and prime contractor Aerojet Rocketdyne of Sacramento, California, and subcontractor Honeywell of Clearwater, Florida. For the first flight of SLS, the four RS-25 engines, along with two solid rocket boosters, will power the spacecraft to thousands of miles beyond the moon. The data gleaned will help prepare for a journey to Mars.
Image Credit: NASA/SSC