L3Harris Completes Engine Delivery for Upcoming NASA Moon Mission

L3Harris Technologies, Inc. has finalized the delivery of core stage engines intended for the Artemis III mission. The equipment forms a critical part of the Space Launch System (SLS), the heavy-lift rocket developed by NASA to support deep space exploration. This shipment marks a step forward in the hardware availability for the mission, which aims to return humans to the lunar surface.

The engines supplied by L3Harris are derived from the RS-25 design, a propulsion system historically used on the Space Shuttle. For the SLS program, these units are adapted to meet the performance requirements of a launch vehicle designed to carry Orion spacecraft beyond low Earth orbit. The delivery ensures that the core stage—the backbone of the rocket—will have the necessary thrust components for integration and testing.

L3Harris operates through its Space & Mission Systems (SMS) segment, alongside Communications & Spectrum Dominance and Missile Solutions. The SMS division is responsible for integrating complex space and airborne technologies, positioning the company as a key supplier in the aerospace and defense sector. This contract reinforces the company’s role in supporting government civil space initiatives.

Shares of L3Harris were trading higher on the day, with the stock up 2.67% from the previous close. The company holds a market capitalization of approximately $52.97 billion.

What to watch

• Timeline for SLS core stage integration and static fire testing.
• Future contract announcements regarding the Artemis IV and subsequent missions.
• Up quarterly earnings reports for specific segment revenue breakdowns.

Source: original release