On October 21, NASA conducted a fire test of the experimental RS-25 engine, serial number 10001, at the Fred Haise Test Stand in Mississippi. The engine operated for nearly 8.5 minutes, reaching 111 percent of its rated power level. This performance benchmark is required for future SLS rocket launches carrying the Orion spacecraft under the Artemis program.
The test aimed to evaluate engine components and validate a new nozzle thermal protection system designed to withstand extreme temperatures during liftoff. Although this specific engine unit will not fly, the data collected will assist NASA and its primary contractor, L3Harris Technologies, in refining the reliability and performance of the propulsion system.
The SLS rocket utilizes four RS-25 engines, which collectively generate up to 2 million pounds of thrust, or approximately 8.9 meganewtons, to power the core stage. Every engine undergoes rigorous testing at the Stennis Space Center before flight approval. The testing process involves personnel from NASA, L3Harris Technologies, and Nova Space Solutions.
