Stennis Space Center engine test takes next step toward space travel

HANCOCK COUNTY, Miss. (WLOX) - A RS-25 engine test at Stennis Space Center on Wednesday brings the United States one step closer to returning to the moon.

The engine tested is different than previous RS-25 engines, which were rebuilt from the Space Shuttle program’s reusable engines. Those engines were designed to take the shuttle 200 miles above Earth to the International Space Station.

An engine used in a previous Artemis mission. — An engine used in a previous Artemis mission.(WLOX)

“These new engines are part of the first stage that sends astronauts back to the moon. This version is what we call expendable. It means, when you’re done burning up the first stage, it goes into the ocean,” said Jim Maser, Aerojet Rocketdyne’s senior vice president of space business.

Engines assembled at Aerojet Rocketdyne at the Stennis Space Center, like the one in this... — Engines assembled at Aerojet Rocketdyne at the Stennis Space Center, like the one in this photo, will be used on rockets in future Artemis missions.(WLOX)

The new engines are built for the Artemis Five mission, which will travel about 250,000 miles to get to the moon. The engine tested Wednesday will be mounted with three others as the first stage of engines that will fire off to get Artemis Five off the ground, to the moon, and eventually beyond.

“The long vision is to get to Mars,” said Ryan Roberts, the test director for Stennis’ B Stand. “In order to achieve that long-term mission to Mars, we need to set up on the moon. There’s a lot of things that will be done there; science, technology, development, all to get to Mars.”

Ryan Roberts, test director for Stennis’ B Stand, explains the stand was used to test many... — Ryan Roberts, test director for Stennis’ B Stand, explains the stand was used to test many engines, including those used in Artemis I.(WLOX)

WLOX headed out to the A-1 test stand and was able to witness a hot fire test of an RS-25... — WLOX headed out to the A-1 test stand and was able to witness a hot fire test of an RS-25 engine that will be used on future Artemis missions.(WLOX)

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