2020 – NASA sets the stage for Green Run testing of the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket’s first core stage as the flight article is lifted and installed on the B-2 Test Stand at NASA Stennis on Jan. 21-22.
2021 – NASA conducts a historic hot fire of its SLS (Space Launch System) core stage for the Artemis I mission on Jan. 16 on the B-2 Test Stand at NASA Stennis. The team successfully completes the countdown and ignition, but the engines shut down a little more than one minute into the hot fire.
2021 – NASA conducts a full-duration hot fire of more than 8 minutes of its SLS (Space Launch System) core stage on March 18 on the B-2 Test Stand at NASA Stennis, the most powerful test conducted at NASA Stennis in more than 40 years.
2021 – Aerojet Rocketdyne, an L3Harries Technologies company, conducts its final RS-68 test on the B-1 Test Stand at NASA Stennis on April 12, concluding a landmark testing partnership. NASA Stennis, Aerojet Rocketdyne Closes Historic Commercial Test Partnership – NASA.
2022 – On Feb. 8, NASA Stennis conducts the 50th hot fire of a RS-25 engine since “return-to-test” began in 2015. It also marks the 100th test an RS-25/space shuttle main engine is fired at 111% power level.
2023 – NASA completes an initial 12-test certification series on June 22 with a full-duration hot fire of an RS-25 engine, manufactured by SLS engines lead contractor Aerojet Rocketdyne, on the Fred Haise Test Stand at NASA Stennis. NASA Achieves Key Milestone for Production of Future Artemis Engines – NASA
2023 – Crews conduct a test of the NASA Stennis navigation lock system on Aug. 3, following a successful installation of four refurbished gates. The project marked the first time the gates had been removed from the system since original installation almost 60 years ago. NASA Stennis Lock System Project – NASA
2023 – NASA Stennis teams with Relativity Space on Sept. 7 as the company to announce a lease agreement for the company to operate the historic A-2 Test Stand onsite. NASA Stennis Inks Expanded Test Complex Agreement with Relativity Space – NASA
2023 – Evolution Space announces plans Oct. 10 to announce to establish production and testing operations for solid rocket motors at NASA Stennis. Evolution Space to Produce and Test Solid Rocket Motors at NASA Stennis – NASA
2024 – NASA Stennis Director Rick Gilbrech retires on Jan. 13 following more than 30 years of service with NASA. 2024 Leadership Changes to Include NASA Stennis Director’s Retirement – NASA
2024 – The SpaceX Transporter 10 mission launches March 4, carrying dozens of micro- and nanosatellites to orbit, including a Sidus Space LizzieSat-1 that carries NASA Stennis first-ever in-space mission – the ASTRA (Autonomous Satellite Technology for Resilient Applications) hardware/software payload. Pending Launch Will Signal Start of Historic NASA Stennis Mission – NASA
2024 – NASA completes a second RS-25 engine 12-test certification series at NASA Stennis, the final major test milestone for production of new engines for future Artemis missions to the Moon and beyond. NASA Achieves Milestone for Engines to Power Future Artemis Missions – NASA
2024 – NASA Administrator Bill Nelson names John Bailey director of NASA Stennis on April 24. Bailey previously served as deputy director, as well as acting director following the retirement of Rick Gilbrech in January. NASA Administrator Names New Stennis Space Center Director – NASA
Chronology of Events
Explore the list of significant events in John C. Stennis Space Center History.