This RS-25 engine is the second flight-ready unit produced with advanced manufacturing techniques such as 3D printing, cutting production costs by 30% compared to earlier versions used in the space shuttle programme. The Artemis V mission will mark the first use of these newly manufactured engines, while the first four Artemis missions rely on upgraded legacy RS-25 engines.
L3Harris provides the RS-25 engines that power each SLS rocket, with four engines supporting each launch to help establish a long-term U.S. presence on the Moon and prepare for future missions to Mars. “As we approach America’s 250th anniversary next year, it’s fitting that we’re advancing the Artemis program that embodies the pioneering spirit of our nation,” said Kristin Houston, President, Space Propulsion and Power Systems, Aerojet Rocketdyne, L3Harris.
Houston added, “By leveraging advanced manufacturing techniques, we’re delivering engines that are more cost effective while maintaining the power and reliability needed to propel Artemis missions to the Moon and beyond.”
