NASA is gearing up for another mission to the moon in November 2024, and at the heart of this epic journey is an engine with a remarkable history.
NASA's Artemis 2 mission, set to send four astronauts on a lunar adventure, is breathing new life into an engine that once played a pivotal role in servicing the iconic Hubble Space Telescope.
Meet Engine E2059: The 'Hubble Hugger'
Space.com reports that Engine E2059, known as the 'Hubble Hugger,' is ready to roar back to life as it is installed on NASA's powerful Space Launch System (SLS) rocket.
This engine earned its nickname for its role in NASA's STS-125 mission in 2009, when it facilitated the last astronaut visit to the Hubble Space Telescope, ensuring the venerable observatory continued its mission.
Remarkably, the Hubble Space Telescope is still going strong 14 years later, thanks in part to E2059's contributions.
A Historic Mission to the Moon
Artemis 2 is set to be a historic mission in multiple ways.
Firstly, it will mark the return of humans to lunar exploration, a feat not achieved since Apollo 17 in 1972.
Secondly, the mission will break barriers by featuring the first Black astronaut, Victor Glover, the first woman, Christina Koch, and the first non-American, Jeremy Hansen, to travel beyond low Earth orbit.
These astronauts are currently deep in training for the incredible journey.
E2059's Impressive Resume
Engine E2059, part of the Boeing-made SLS core stage, boasts an impressive resume.
NASA tells us that it has ventured into space five times during the space shuttle program, playing a crucial role in missions like STS-130 in 2010 when it delivered the wraparound cupola viewing window to the International Space Station.
This engine's reliability and storied history make it a vital component of the upcoming lunar mission.
When E2059 and its three fellow RS-25 engines, all manufactured by Aerojet Rocketdyne, roar to life on the SLS, they will burn fuel at a jaw-dropping rate, consuming a staggering 1,500 gallons (5,678 liters) per second.
This incredible power is necessary to propel the Artemis 2 mission beyond Earth's gravitational pull and toward the moon.
The Journey from Earth to the Moon
Space.com reports that the core stage of the SLS rocket, including E2059, is currently being assembled at NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans.
Once the assembly is complete, it will be transported to its launch site at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida via barge. The core stage will be mated with the rest of the rocket and undergo rigorous testing to ensure a successful launch.
While the Artemis program is rapidly advancing, it still awaits essential components, such as the SpaceX Starship lander, which will carry astronauts to the lunar surface, and specialized spacesuits for lunar excursions.
Stay posted here at Tech Times.
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