SLS RS-25 Engine Test, 3 April 2024 (Final Engine Certification Test)

An Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-25 rocket engine (RS-25 developmental engine E0525) was tested on the Fred Haise Test Stand (formerly A-1 Test Stand) at the John C. Stennis Space Center in Mississippi, on 3 April 2024, at 17:23 UTC (12:23 CDT). This was the 6th test using a new production engine nozzle providing additional performance data on the upgraded unit and the final hot fire test out of the 12 planned in the final round of certification testing ahead of production of an updated set of engines for NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) that will be used beginning with Artemis V. The test had a planned duration of 500 seconds, with the RS-25 engine running up to 113% power level.
Credit: NASA
#RS25

[@makeru]

wonderful

[@pejtepivo]

I got the power!

[@DM-vj7mm]

Why are they still testing SLS components? It's a legacy system at this point.

[@SciNewsRo]

“The E0525 developmental engine featured new key components - including a nozzle, hydraulic actuators, flex ducts, and turbopumps”

[@MrAlanCristhian]

Also new manufacturing methods.

[@w9gb]

New 21st century technology updates, become RS-25E.
1.) New production RS-25 model E will NOT be reusable
2.) Simplification (fewer parts, less welding, more 3D printing/additive mfg.)
3.) New Engine controller (Honeywell, originally designed for cancelled J-2X engine)
4.) Thrust: 512,300 lbs. (vacuum), 416,300 lbs. (sea level)
5.) Operational Thrust: 109 percent, tested up to 113% (1972/73 design 100%, Shuttle flights 104.5%)
6.) Weight now: 3.49 t (7,800 lbs.)