NASA is currently testing some new RS-25 engines on the Space Launch System that will be used for missions in the future. They did a test run at the Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, which lasted for a full duration.
NASA recently did a test at the Stennis Space Center. It was the third of its kind since an improved engine part called ‘nozzle’ was put in place on the RS-25 engine. This upgrade was done so that future moon trips with the Artemis mission can be completed successfully. Meanwhile, NASA is working hard to find out more secrets about outer space for all of us to learn from.
Mike Lauer from Aerojet Rocketdyne said the new nozzle is looking to be working well so far. Even though how it was made changed, we didn’t want to alter how good it performs, and it looks like the nozzle functions in line with our expectations.
During a test, the engines were fired for 520 seconds and given up to 113% power. When sending things to the Moon, the engine will run for about 500 seconds with 111% power in order to lift the spacecraft and other objects into orbit. By adding more extra seconds and increasing the power output during ground tests, engineers can learn important information about engine performance as well as ensure safety.
The RS-25 engine has a bell-shaped bottom part which is called the nozzle. This nozzle helps to make thrust by sending exhaust out really fast and getting SLS ready for space travel. On top of that, it also allows the rocket engine to use as little fuel as possible while generating enough thrust to get into space, making it one fo the most fuel efficient engines around.
Throughout the years of using the RS-25 engine, many parts changed or were improved. The nozzle part stayed pretty much the same.
The RS-25 engines were redesigned with a special focus on the nozzle. To make it better, an impressive 1,000 tubes that make up the wall of the nozzle were machined for precision. These tubes are really important because they keep the nozzle cold by flowing super-cold liquid hydrogen. Additionally, 3D printing was used to create certain parts for the nozzle.
The RS-25 engines used for launches of the SLS (Space Launch System) Rocket get hotter than in the past, so changes were made to its nozzle. This includes different types and amounts of insulation. There are four RS-25 engines instead of the three that was typically used for the space shuttle mission and it’s placed closer to the SLS solid rocket boosters.
NASA has improved the way they make nozzles for the RS-25 engines. This way, they will cost less to make and still provide the same results as before. The shape, length and diameter of the nozzle have stayed the same though.
They had sixteen old engines from their earlier Shutle program which they modified and tested out at the NASA Stennis Base. These modifications were used on the first four Artemis missions.
