Stennis completes RS-25 rocket engine procedure
On Monday, NASA announced that Stennis Space team members successfully performed an uncommon remove-and-replace procedure on an RS-25 engine’s nozzle back on October 13th.
The R&R procedure involves completely removing the nozzle, the bell-shaped component bolted to the powerhead that generates powerful thrust, and reattaching another nozzle.
This is done while the turbopumps, combustion chamber, fuel ducts, and other parts remain secured in place.
This R&R served as a practice run to ensure the team had the proper procedures and tools in place to complete the action.
The event marked the first nozzle removal and replacement performed on an installed RS-25 engine since the space shuttle main engine testing era at Stennis. Assembly and Test Integrated Processing Manager Matt Scardino said, “The importance of the process is that in our future schedules we do see the need that we will have to replace a nozzle, and so we had an opportunity in our schedule to demonstrate this, and that enables us to train the workforce some hands-on training to do the operation.”
As a unique procedure, the nozzle R&R can produce both major cost and scheduling benefits for the center.
