Aerojet Rocketdyne Delivers Propulsion for Artemis III Mission

Rhea-AI Summary

Aerojet Rocketdyne has successfully completed the four RS-25 engines for NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, which will power the Artemis III mission aimed at returning humans to the Moon. Scheduled for launch in the mid-2020s, this mission marks a significant milestone in the U.S. space program, using advancements from previous missions. The upgraded engines will generate approximately 2 million pounds of thrust and have a successful history in supporting 26 Space Shuttle missions. Aerojet Rocketdyne also provides other propulsion systems for the SLS and the Orion spacecraft, designed and tested at various locations across the U.S. This development underscores Aerojet Rocketdyne’s pivotal role in NASA’s lunar exploration goals and future crewed missions to Mars.

Positive

• Completion of four upgraded RS-25 engines for the SLS rocket.
• Engines will produce about 2 million pounds of thrust.
• Historical success with 138 astronauts flown to orbit and support of 26 Space Shuttle missions.
• Contribution of various propulsion systems for both the SLS and Orion spacecraft.

Negative

• None.

LOS ANGELES, April 18, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aerojet Rocketdyne recently completed the four RS-25 engines that will power the core stage of NASA’s super heavy-lift Space Launch System (SLS) rocket during the historic Artemis III mission. Slated for launch around the middle of the decade, Artemis III is a planned lunar landing mission that will return humans to the surface of the Moon for the first time in more than 50 years.

“The Artemis III mission is pivotal in our nation’s goal to return American astronauts to the surface of the Moon, establish a sustained presence there and pave the way for crewed missions to Mars,” said Eileen P. Drake, Aerojet Rocketdyne CEO and president. “As our nation makes this next giant leap in its space program, it is leveraging the extensive knowledge and lessons learned that were gained during our earlier exploration efforts, including the Apollo, Space Shuttle and Artemis I missions. We are truly standing on the shoulders of those who pioneered the exploration of deep space.”

The four RS-25 engines that will power the SLS rocket’s core stage during the Artemis III mission have been upgraded following their service during the shuttle program and will now generate about 2 million pounds of combined thrust. The Artemis III RS-25 engines safely flew 138 individual astronauts to orbit and supported 26 Space Shuttle missions, including:

• Multiple International Space Station assembly missions
• STS-95: The flight of then-U.S. Senator John Glenn, one of NASA’s original Mercury astronauts
• STS-114: The Space Shuttle program’s return to flight following the Columbia accident
• STS-125: The final Hubble servicing mission

In addition to the RS-25 engines, Aerojet Rocketdyne has delivered all of its other propulsion systems for the Artemis III SLS rocket and a majority of the propulsion systems for the Orion spacecraft.

Additional Aerojet Rocketdyne propulsion on the Artemis III mission includes the RL10 engine and 12 MR-106 reaction control system thrusters that will support the SLS’s second stage, called the Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage. Aerojet Rocketdyne also supplies major propulsion elements for NASA’s Orion spacecraft, including the Orion Main Engine; the jettison motor on the Launch Abort System; eight auxiliary engines for trajectory control and positioning on the service module; and 12 reaction control system engines that guide the Orion crew module’s atmospheric re-entry.

Aerojet Rocketdyne’s Artemis III propulsion contributions are designed, built and tested at various sites across the country, including Los Angeles, California; NASA’s Stennis Space Center in Mississippi; West Palm Beach, Florida; Redmond, Washington; Huntsville, Alabama; and Orange, Virginia. The pressurized tanks used for Orion’s life support systems and flotation system for recovery at sea were manufactured and delivered by Aerojet Rocketdyne’s ARDÉ subsidiary, located in Carlstadt, New Jersey.

About Aerojet Rocketdyne: Aerojet Rocketdyne, a subsidiary of Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:AJRD), is a world-recognized aerospace and defense leader that provides propulsion systems and energetics to the space, missile defense and strategic systems, and tactical systems areas, in support of domestic and international customers. For more information, visit www.Rocket.com and www.AerojetRocketdyne.com. Follow Aerojet Rocketdyne and CEO Eileen Drake on Twitter at @AerojetRdyne and @DrakeEileen.

Media Contacts:
Mary Engola, Aerojet Rocketdyne, 571-289-1371
Mary.Engola@rocket.com
Todd McConnell, Aerojet Rocketdyne, 561-882-5395
Todd.McConnell@rocket.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1b6ef077-2c56-4c7c-961b-f0bb2e6165c1

FAQ

What is the significance of Aerojet Rocketdyne's RS-25 engines for Artemis III?

The RS-25 engines are crucial for NASA's Artemis III mission, providing the necessary thrust to power the SLS rocket for a lunar landing.

When is the Artemis III mission scheduled to launch?

The Artemis III mission is slated for launch in the mid-2020s.

What historical missions did the RS-25 engines support?

The RS-25 engines supported 26 Space Shuttle missions, including significant flights like STS-95 and STS-125.

What other propulsion systems does Aerojet Rocketdyne provide for Artemis III?

Aerojet Rocketdyne also provides the RL10 engine and MR-106 thrusters for the SLS's Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage.

How many locations contributed to the development of Artemis III's propulsion systems?

Aerojet Rocketdyne's propulsion systems for Artemis III were designed, built, and tested across several U.S. locations.