L3Harris Delivers SLS Core Stage Engines for Artemis III Mission

L3Harris Technologies announced the delivery of four RS-25 engines to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center for the Artemis III mission, scheduled for launch in 2027. The engines will power the core stage of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, marking a critical step in NASA’s lunar exploration program. The company stated the delivery ensures Artemis III remains on track while supporting NASA’s goal of annual SLS launches.

Artemis III will be the third SLS flight and aims to test integrated operations between the Orion spacecraft and commercial lunar landers in low Earth orbit. A key innovation for this mission is the vertical integration of the engines with the core stage, which L3Harris says will simplify installation and improve access for technicians. The engines previously flew on 36 space shuttle missions, including International Space Station assembly flights.

L3Harris upgraded the engines with modern electronics and new insulation to withstand the SLS’s thermal environment, increasing thrust levels beyond shuttle-era performance. Future missions will use newly built engines incorporating advanced manufacturing techniques to reduce costs while maintaining reliability. The upgrades reflect L3Harris’s role in supporting NASA’s Artemis program.

The press release included forward-looking statements about cost reductions and future performance, noting risks and uncertainties that could affect outcomes. L3Harris disclaimed any obligation to update these statements, emphasizing the evolving nature of the project. The company also highlighted progress on the Next Gen RTG design for deep space missions.