REDMOND, Wash., Dec. 16, 2025 — L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX) and NASA have completed testing and delivery of three 12-kilowatt Advanced Electric Propulsion System (AEPS) thrusters for the Power and Propulsion Element (PPE) of the agency’s lunar-orbiting Gateway station. These thrusters will become the most powerful electric propulsion system to fly in space.
“Electric thrusters offer significantly higher fuel efficiency over conventional chemical propulsion systems, making them ideal for Gateway and other long-duration missions,” said Kristin Houston, President, Space Propulsion and Power Systems, Aerojet Rocketdyne, L3Harris. “NASA will be able to pair the AEPS thrusters with nuclear power sources to help enable new classes of exploration missions, such as a robotic grand tour of Jupiter and its moons or transporting large cargo vessels to Mars.”
The delivered thrusters will enable the Gateway station to reach and maintain its orbit around the Moon, supporting Artemis IV astronaut missions to and from the lunar surface.
The AEPS thrusters underwent extensive hot-fire testing at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio, this year following vibration testing at L3Harris’ facility in Redmond. These tests validated the thrusters’ performance and readiness for integration into the PPE.
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. Missions enabled by electric thrusters 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.
# # #
