REDMOND, Wash., Aug. 7, 2025 — L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX) has delivered three Advanced Electric Propulsion System (AEPS) thrusters to NASA for final testing before integrating them into the Power and Propulsion Element of the lunar-orbiting Gateway station.
“Electric propulsion is an innovative solution that will enable efficient transport of cargo and other payloads to the Moon, Mars and other destinations,” said Kristin Houston, President, Space Propulsion and Power Systems, Aerojet Rocketdyne, L3Harris. “When coupled with a nuclear power source, AEPS also opens new maneuverability options for deep space spacecraft.”
The AEPS will be the most powerful electric propulsion ever flown, capable of accelerating spacecraft to extremely high speeds over time using a fraction of the propellant required by conventional chemical propulsion systems. The system consists of three 12-kilowatt Hall thrusters that are more than twice as powerful as current in-space electric ones. The L3Harris thrusters will help deliver Gateway to its unique lunar orbit and maintain its position.
Gateway is a habitable space station designed to orbit the Moon and serve as a staging point for astronaut and cargo missions to and from the lunar surface. NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland leads the Solar Electric Propulsion project for the agency, developing next-generation technology and capabilities to enable Artemis missions and prepare for human missions to Mars.
About L3Harris Technologies
L3Harris Technologies is the Trusted Disruptor in the defense industry. With customers’ mission-critical needs always in mind, our employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security. Visit L3Harris.com for more information.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements that reflect management's current expectations, assumptions and estimates of future performance and economic conditions. Such statements are made in reliance upon the safe harbor provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results and future trends to differ materially from those matters expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. Statements about technology capabilities are forward-looking and involve risks and uncertainties. L3Harris disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
# # #
