NASA has started testing the world’s most powerful electric rocket engine for the Lunar Gateway orbital station
NASA has started qualification tests of the engine for the Lunar Gateway station. In the coming years, it will orbit the Moon as part of the Artemis program.
The developer of the powerplant is Aerojet Rocketdyne. The electric rocket motor has a power of 12 kW, making it the most powerful unit of this class in the world. Previously, the record holder was an engine with a power of only 3 kW.
Lunar Gateway is expected to launch in 2025. The station will be equipped with three electric motors. NASA believes they will be able to keep Lunar Gateway in orbit for at least 15 years.
Each engine will be installed in a Power and Propulsion Element module powered by solar panels with a total capacity of 60 kW. Xenon will be used as a working medium. The module’s tank can hold up to 2000 kg of gas.
NASA has already received the first propulsion system and prepared it for testing. The second engine will be delivered next year. Fire tests are also expected in 2024. Interestingly, the agency will not have time to conduct all the tests, as they will last for four years. However, the results should be enough to send Lunar Gateway into space.
