L3Harris Honors Goddard Centennial with Advances in Nuclear and Electric Propulsion

Why It Matters

The advancements position L3Harris—and the upcoming independent Rocketdyne—as critical suppliers for Artemis, the Lunar Gateway, and future crewed Mars missions, reshaping the commercial and government space propulsion market.

Key Takeaways

• L3Harris adds 30% cost reduction via 3D‑printed RS‑25
• AEPS thrusters deliver 12 kW, 5‑10× efficiency
• Nuclear thermal propulsion could cut Mars travel time 40%
• Rocketdyne spin‑off valued at $845 million
• Artemis II will use L3Harris avionics and RS‑25

Pulse Analysis

Celebrating a century since Robert Goddard’s first liquid‑fuel launch, L3Harris is leveraging that legacy to modernize propulsion for deep‑space exploration. By integrating additive manufacturing into RS‑25 production, the firm trims engine costs by roughly a third while preserving the 512,300‑pound vacuum thrust needed for NASA’s Artemis heavy‑lift rockets. This manufacturing shift not only improves affordability but also accelerates the rollout of new engines for upcoming crewed missions, reinforcing L3Harris’s role as a backbone of the U.S. lunar program.

The shift toward electric propulsion marks another strategic pivot. L3Harris’s Advanced Electric Propulsion System thrusters, each delivering 12 kilowatts, represent the most powerful Hall‑effect devices flown to date. Their 5‑10‑fold efficiency advantage over chemical engines enables precise station‑keeping for the Lunar Gateway’s Near‑Rectilinear Halo Orbit while dramatically reducing propellant mass. This capability is attracting commercial satellite operators and sovereign space agencies seeking sustainable, low‑cost orbital maneuvering, positioning L3Harris as a leader in the emerging electric‑thruster market.

Looking further ahead, nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP) promises to cut Mars transit durations by up to 40 percent, mitigating crew radiation exposure and mission logistics. L3Harris’s research in NTP, coupled with the upcoming spin‑off of its Space Propulsion and Power business into the revived Rocketdyne brand, creates a focused entity dedicated to scaling both RL10 and next‑generation Hall thrusters. The $845 million transaction not only unlocks capital for accelerated development but also signals confidence from investors that advanced propulsion will be a cornerstone of the next era of human spaceflight.