Virtual Astro Live: RS-25: From the Space Shuttle to Artemis

NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS), the vehicle that will launch astronauts on missions to the Moon and eventually Mars, takes advantage of hardware and cutting-edge manufacturing techniques originally developed for the Space Shuttle and other exploration programs. Most notably, the vehicle uses four RS-25 engines at the bottom of the core stage. One of the most tested rocket engines in history, they powered the Space Shuttle for 135 missions over three decades, and will now help to propel SLS on its eight-and-a-half-minute climb to space.

The RS-25 is a highly efficient staged-combustion engine that combines liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen to produce 10x the thrust of even the largest commercial jet engine. Sixteen shuttle-era RS-25 engines have undergone several design upgrades to improve durability, safety, and performance for the first four flights of SLS, the first of which took place in November 2022. Additionally, NASA has contracted with Aerojet Rocketdyne to restart production of a simplified, more affordable, and more powerful variant that will later be used on further missions.

Join us for a conversation on the incomparable RS-25 with Project Engineering Scientist Helen Lewin and Project & Component Engineer Mary Kalayjian of Aerojet Rocketdyne at L3 Harris Technologies as we discuss the engine's journey from the Space Shuttle program to Artemis!

Participants:

Mary Kalayjian was born & raised in Los Angeles, California and graduated from California State University, Los Angeles where she received a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and a bachelor’s degree in Astrophysics. She is currently working at Aerojet Rocketdyne as a Project and Component Engineer supporting the RS-25 Engine for NASA’s Space Launch System rocket. More specifically, Mary has supported the development, testing, and fabrication of 3D printed hardware and assisted with the implementation of various new manufacturing and inspection technologies. In 2019, her and her team members were chosen to receive the Distinguished Engineering Project Achievement Award by The Engineers’ Council for their efforts in successfully developing RS-25 3-D printed hardware.

Helen Lewin started working on the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) Controller software team in 1987 during the return to flight effort following the Challenger accident. She then moved into flight hardware reviews, then flight performance, and finally flight readiness reviews. Following the Shuttle retirement, she worked RS-25 integration and as a business analyst for RS-25. Once Artemis I was on the horizon, she went back to flight support and worked the Core Stage Green Run test. She also led the flight support team at Canoga Park, California for the Artemis I launch. Lewin is currently working technical issues in preparation for the next few Artemis launches, including the changes needed for the new RS-25 production engines once the 16 heritage SSME engines complete their missions. Her educational background includes degrees in Biology, Electrical Engineering, and Systems Engineering.

All programs are live-streamed via the Intrepid Museum’s Facebook, YouTube, and X and NSF’s YouTube channel.

Registration info: Free with advance registration. Register here.