Stennis Space Center installs key component for future Green Run testing

Crews at Stennis Space Center cleared a milestone on December 11 by installing a key component in preparation for future Green Run testing of NASA’s new Exploration Upper Stage (EUS) vehicle for use on the SLS rocket.

Four large diffusers were lifted by crane for installation on the Thad Cochran Test Stand.

The diffusers are a critical component designed to help direct engine exhaust away from the EUS during hot fire testing to minimize heat exposure to sensitive vehicle systems.

The new EUS is being built as NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans as a more powerful SLS second stage to send the Orion spacecraft and heavier payloads to deep space.

The EUS is expected to fly on the Artemis IV mission following a series of Green Run tests at Stennis.

The test series will culminate with a hot fire of the four RL10 engines that will power the EUS.