/sci/ - Science & Math

few days old but I haven't seen it discussed here yet, nasa starts testing thrusters for gateway

https://www.nasa.gov/feature/glenn/2023/nasa-aerojet-rocketdyne-put-gateway-thruster-system-to-the-test

>The AEPS must undergo qualification testing before being certified to fly on Gateway. The combined NASA-Aerojet team will use two qualification units – models nearly identical to the thrusters that will fly on PPE – during these tests.
>A second qualification unit will arrive at NASA in 2024 to undergo a wear test that mimics the anticipated conditions the AEPS will experience during Gateway’s initial orbit raising and transition to lunar orbit. NASA expects the thrusters to operate for 23,000 hours total during a nearly four-year test campaign inside NASA Glenn’s massive vacuum chambers.
>To ensure Gateway is ready for launch and its transit to the Moon, the PPE’s actual flight thrusters are being built now and will launch to space before the entire multi-year wear test is complete.