The electric engines designed for NASA’s Advanced Electric Propulsion System (AEPS) have successfully completed hot-fire tests at Glenn Research Center. This breakthrough paves the way for the engines to be integrated into the Power and Propulsion Element (PPE) of the Lunar Gateway, a key component of NASA’s Artemis IV mission to establish a human presence around the Moon.
This development is huge for long-duration space missions. Unlike traditional chemical engines that consume large volumes of fuel, these electric thrusters are incredibly efficient. They use significantly less fuel, allowing spacecraft to travel greater distances over longer periods. Once fully operational, the Gateway will serve as a launching point for astronauts heading to the lunar surface and beyond.
Each of the three AEPS thrusters provides 12 kilowatts of power—more than double that of existing electric propulsion systems. According to L3Harris Technologies, this makes the AEPS the most powerful electric propulsion system ever used in space. This technology allows for gradual acceleration, enabling spacecraft to gain speed while conserving fuel.
Testing at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Ohio and at L3Harris’ facility in Redmond proved the thrusters are ready for action. They’ll be crucial for maintaining the Gateway’s orbit around the Moon and supporting lunar missions.
While designed for lunar operations, the potential of these engines is vast. Kristin Houston, President of Space Propulsion and Power Systems at Aerojet Rocketdyne, emphasized that these thrusters provide fuel efficiency that could redefine long-duration missions. She highlighted that coupling AEPS with nuclear power opens up possibilities for ambitious ventures, such as exploring Jupiter and its moons or transporting cargo to Mars. This could allow for heavier payloads and longer missions, overcoming the limitations of conventional fuel types.
The Gateway is set to play a vital role in NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon and eventually to Mars. Orbiting the Moon, the Gateway will act as a hub for science, crew transfers, and logistics. It will feature two pressurized modules where astronauts can live and work while preparing for missions to the lunar surface.
NASA envisions the Gateway not just as a launching pad but as a testing ground for future deep space exploration. Collaborating with commercial and international partners, the project aims to create a sustainable infrastructure for humanity’s return to the Moon. These advancements go beyond technical feats; they represent a significant leap toward a new age of discovery in space.
