KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla., July 22, 2026 — L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX) has delivered the four RS-25 engines to power the core stage of NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket as part of the agency’s next Artemis mission set for launch in 2027.
“This is a major milestone in our effort to return astronauts to the lunar surface,” said Kristin Houston, President, Space Propulsion & Power Systems, Missile Solutions, L3Harris. “This delivery keeps Artemis III on track for launch in 2027 and supports NASA’s transition to an annual launch cadence that will enable regular missions to the Moon.”
Artemis III is slated to be the third SLS flight and will test integrated operations between the Orion spacecraft and one or both commercial lunar landers in low Earth orbit. The mission will also mark the first time technicians will integrate the engines with the core stage in a vertical position. This change will simplify and accelerate the installation process while providing better access to each engine.
The four RS-25 engines for Artemis III previously supported 36 space shuttle flights, including International Space Station assembly missions and the historic return to space of Project Mercury astronaut and former Sen. John Glenn.
L3Harris upgraded these engines for the first four Artemis missions with modern electronics and new insulation to protect them from the SLS’s harsh thermal environment. The updated engines will also operate at higher thrust levels than during NASA’s space shuttle era.
Subsequent missions will use newly built engines that incorporate modern manufacturing techniques and other enhancements to reduce costs while maintaining their performance and reliability.
About L3Harris Technologies
L3Harris is the Trusted Disruptor in defense tech. 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 cost reductions 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.
# # #
