Lockheed Martin Showcases Lunar Habitat Modules Written 17 August 2018

Space News (Subscription Publication) reports that NASA has called Monday’s test of the Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-25 engine for its Space Launch System (SLS) a success despite an unspecified “facility issue” that brought the test to an early end. The first in a series of static-fire tests was conducted on the A-1 stand at Stennis Space Center in Mississippi, and the test trialed a “flight controller unit that will be used on flight models of the engine as well as new manufacturing techniques intended to reduce the cost of future engines.” According to a statement released by Stennis, “All test objectives were met during the hot fire.” According to Aerojet Rocketdyne, a new manufacturing technique called “hot isostatic pressing” – which is used for the engine’s main combustion chamber – was a key part of the test. According to the company, “Initial test data indicates the chamber performed flawlessly during the 319-second test.” NASA plans eight additional tests for the engine through early 2019.

More Info (Space News)