NASA runs a 500-second RS-25 engine test for future Artemis missions
A developmental RS-25 fired for a launch-length test at Stennis, exercising flight components and a new thermal-protection system.
By TomorrowNews · AI-assisted briefing · Briefing published 22 October 2026
AI-generated illustration — not a photograph of the event. Generic engine-test concept, not documentary evidence or an official mission rendering. · TomorrowNews / AI-generated illustration
NASA fired RS-25 engine No. 10001 for 500 seconds at the Fred Haise Test Stand in Mississippi, matching the duration of an engine firing during an SLS launch. Operators also took it to the 111% power level specified for new-production engines.
The objectives were to acceptance-test flight components for later Artemis missions and validate thermal protection around the nozzle. The developmental engine itself will not fly; its data is intended to support reliability and performance work.
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