Next-Generation RS-25 Engines for the NASA Space Launch System

Use of heritage RS-25 engines, also known as the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME), has enabled rapid progress in the development and certification of the NASA Space Launch System (SLS) toward flight status. There were also 16 flight engines and 2 development engines remaining from the Space Shuttle program that could be leveraged to support the first four flights. Beyond these initial SLS flights, NASA must have a renewed supply of engines that reflecting program affordability imperatives as well as technical requirements imposed by the SLS Block-1B vehicle. Toward this objective, design activities are underway using modern materials and fabrication technologies, but also by innovations in systems engineering and integration (SEI) practices.