Aerojet Rocketdyne

Aerojet Rocketdyne, an L3Harris Technologies company, is a leading rocket propulsion manufacturer providing engines for NASA's Space Launch System, commercial launch vehicles, and defense missile systems. The company develops liquid rocket engines, solid rocket motors, and advanced propulsion systems powering human spaceflight and national security missions.

In July 2024, Aerojet Rocketdyne completed modernizing four RS-25 engines for NASA's Artemis IV mission, the first flight of the enhanced SLS Block 1B configuration and last mission using space shuttle-era inventory engines. The company upgraded flight computers to withstand higher temperatures from solid rocket motor proximity. RS-25 engines produce 1,859 kN thrust burning liquid hydrogen and oxygen, with new versions operating at 111 percent power for Artemis V and beyond.

In November 2024, L3Harris delivered the first RL10 engine featuring a 3D-printed copper thrust chamber to United Launch Alliance for Vulcan Centaur. The RL10 powered Vulcan's successful maiden flight in January 2024 and will power the SLS Block 1B exploration upper stage with four engines, enabling 38 metric tons of payload to cislunar space for crewed missions.

L3Harris acquired Aerojet Rocketdyne in 2023, creating the world's leading propulsion company. The combined entity provides rocket propulsion for NASA human exploration, national security launches, and commercial vehicles. Aerojet Rocketdyne continues developing advanced propulsion systems including hypersonic technologies and in-space propulsion for the next generation of space exploration.