Aerojet Rocketdyne Delivers RS-25 Combustion Engines to NASA

Aerojet Rocketdyne has handed over to NASA four rocket engines that are slated for integration into the core stage of the agency’s Space Launch System rocket.

Built to operate via liquid oxygen and hydrogen propellants, the RS-25 is a staged-combustion engine that yields 512K pounds of vacuum thrust, the company said Friday.

In addition, Aerojet Rocketdyne will also deliver the RL10, an engine platform intended to support the SLS’ upper stage, reaction control system thrusters and composite pressure vessels.

“The Space Launch System is a foundational element of our nation’s deep space exploration architecture that will allow humans to return to the Moon and eventually set foot on Mars,” said Eileen Drake, CEO and president at Aerojet Rocketdyne.

In 2020, the SLS rocket will lift off as part of the Artemis 1 mission, an uncrewed flight which will carry satellites that will conduct scientific analysis as well as provide data that will potentially lead to crewed space flight to the Moon and to Mars.