NASA conducts third RS-25 engine hot fire test

NASA conducted the third RS-25 engine hot fire test earlier today.

The test demonstrates a key capability necessary for flight of the SLS rocket during Artemis missions to the moon and beyond.

Nasa is conducting the series of tests to certify new manufacturing processes for producing the RS-25 engines for future deep space missions.

Crews pivoted the engine around a central point during an almost 11-minute hot fire test.

This technique is used to control and stabilize SLS as it reaches orbit.

During the test, operators also pushed the engine beyond any parameter it might experience during flight to provide a margin of operational safety.

The 11-minute test exceeded the almost 8 minutes it takes RS-25 engines to reach space.

The engines were also fired to 113% power level, exceeding the 111% level needed to reach orbit.