All four RS-25 engines that will power SLS for its first flight are ready to be integrated with the rocket's core stage.
All four RS-25 engines that will power SLS for its first flight are ready to be integrated with the rocket’s core stage. They will be sent to NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans where they will be attached to the core stage before a green run test that will verify that the system is ready for flight. These four EM-1 engines powered a total of 21 space shuttle missions. For SLS, they have been upgraded with new controllers, to perform under SLS environments and with nozzle insulation, for protection and prevention of metal overheating during launch and flight. To ensure all engines are ready to fly, engineers will perform torque testing, leak checks, and an avionics software check.
Image Credit: Aerojet Rocketdyne photo