NASA Concludes RS-25 Integrated Ignition Testing

NASA:

NASA teams have concluded the final round of RS-25 integrated ignition testing, marking a major milestone in the development of the agency’s Ares launch vehicles. These upgraded engines will help power future Constellation missions to destinations in deep space.

NASA completed the RS-25 integrated ignition testing April 20, finishing a critical test series to support future Exploration Missions to deep space as NASA explores the secrets of the universe for the benefit of all.

The test series was conducted on the A-1 test stand at NASA’s Stennis Space Center, near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. Operators tested the advanced engines, designated RS-25E, for up to 410 seconds, longer than the approximately six minutes they will be used during flights of Ares I and Ares II. The test series demonstrated the engines’ ability to start without the assistance of ground support equipment, enabling their use as a relightable upper stage engine to support the Constellation program. Operators also conducted several full-duration tests at the 109% power level required for early flights of Ares II.

The conclusion of the integrated ignition test series is a key accomplishment for lead RS-25 contractor Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne. In addition to air-start and restart capability, the tests validated several new components and manufacturing improvements introduced to help streamline production, reducing the time and cost needed to build each engine. One engine will help power Ares I and Orion into orbit, while two engines will be used for each flight of the Ares II cargo vehicle.

Through the Constellation program, NASA is restoring U.S. crew launch capability to the International Space Station and sending humans farther into deep space than ever before. The Ares launch vehicles, Orion, and Exploration Elements are enabling the next generation of human spaceflight.

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