History

The RS-25 engine, one of the most advanced liquid-fueled engines ever built, boasts remarkable engineering and technical characteristics that have contributed to its legacy. At its core, the RS-25 employs a full-flow staged combustion cycle, a design that is relatively rare in rocket engines. This cycle involves using pre-burned fuel to drive the engine’s turbines before the combustion occurs, ensuring that both the liquid hydrogen (LH2) and liquid oxygen (LOX) are fed into the combustion chamber in a highly efficient manner. The engine’s turbopumps, which are responsible for pushing the propellants into the combustion chamber, are powered by fuel that has already been burned in a separate pre-burner, making the engine more efficient by minimizing propellant waste. This design results in a high specific impulse (Isp), meaning the engine can produce more thrust per unit of fuel consumed, an important factor for long-duration missions. The RS-25 is notable for its thrust capabilities, with each engine generating 418,000 pounds of thrust, and typically, the Space Shuttle would be equipped with three such engines for a combined thrust of over 1.2 million pounds. The engine’s performance is enhanced by an exceptionally complex and robust nozzle design that allows it to withstand extreme temperatures of up to 6,000 degrees Fahrenheit (3,315 degrees Celsius) in the combustion chamber. The nozzle also features a gimbaled system that allows the engine to pivot, providing steering during ascent, which is crucial for trajectory control. In terms of its technical components, the RS-25 engine is equipped with a
highly advanced digital controller that monitors and adjusts over 1,000 parameters during flight, ensuring optimal engine performance. The engine also features multiple redundant safety systems to protect against failure, a requirement for crewed space missions. To ensure that the engine remains in optimal condition after each flight, many of its components, including the nozzle, turbines, and combustion chamber, were designed for refurbishment and reuse. The RS-25’s longevity and adaptability have made it a cornerstone of NASA’s space exploration efforts, and with its modifications for the Space Launch System (SLS), it continues to play a
critical role in sending humans to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

Specifications:
Thrust (sea-level): 418,000 lbf (1,860 kN)
Nominal thrust duration: 510s
Fuel: LOX / LH2

Item Description
Full SLA (Stereolithography) 3dprinted scale model kit with very high detail.
Includes printed detailed assembly instructions booklet and watter slide decals.

Dimensions of finished model:
Height: 370mm (14.5in)
Width/Length: 200 x 200mm (7.5x 7.5in)