Friday, July 15, 2016

RS-25 has early shutdown

STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. -- A minor issue with the test stand triggered an early shutdown in the latest test of an RS-25 engine, officials said. The test of developmental engine No. 0528 was Thursday on the A-1 test stand. The RS-25 engines will provide core stage power for NASA's Space Launch System. Initiated at 5:57 p.m. (CST), the test stand issue triggered an early shutdown 193 seconds into the test, scheduled for 650 seconds. No issues were reported with the engine, and the next test is planned for August. Even with the early shutdown, the test will provide valuable performance data on the new engine controller and operating parameters needed for launch of the SLS. Officials will determine missed development points can be added to one of the four future tests in the series. The test was conducted by a team of NASA, Aerojet Rocketdyne and Syncom Space Services engineers and operators. Aerojet Rocketdyne is the prime contractor for the RS-25 engines. Syncom Space Services is the prime contractor for Stennis facilities and operations. (Source: NASA/SSC, 07/15/16)