BMT Aerospace components supporting the RL10 engine on Artemis II
NASA’s Artemis II mission will launch astronauts on a crewed flight around the Moon. The mission marks the first human lunar mission since 1972 and represents a major milestone in human spaceflight. A key element of that launch system is the RL10 engine, which powers the upper stage of NASA’s Space Launch System and performs precise burns to place the Orion spacecraft on its intended trajectory beyond Earth orbit.
The role of the RL10 engine in Artemis II
The RL10 engine is used on the Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage of the Space Launch System. During Artemis II, the engine will execute critical orbital maneuvers that shape Orion’s path toward the Moon.
Accuracy, stability and repeatability are essential at this stage of the mission. The engine must perform exactly as intended under extreme conditions, including cryogenic temperatures and long-duration operation in space.
More information about the engine can be found on NASA’s official page:
BMT Aerospace’s contribution
BMT Aerospace has been manufacturing components for the RL10 engine for more than 40 years and continues to supply parts that are flying today.
One of the key components produced by BMT Aerospace is the Thrust Control Valve Assembly. This component regulates propellant flow and enables precise thrust modulation, which is essential during mission-critical phases of flight.
In earlier phases of the program, BMT Aerospace also manufactured oxidizer pump gears for the engine. While engine configurations evolve over time, we know our parts are still used in current RL10 engines, including the crewed CST 100 Starliner mission that launched in 2024.
Manufacturing for spaceflight applications
Components used in the RL10 engine must operate reliably in some of the most demanding environments in aerospace. Manufacturing for spaceflight requires extreme dimensional accuracy, stable and repeatable processes, full traceability and strict compliance with spaceflight quality requirements.
BMT Aerospace’s long-term involvement reflects the level of process discipline and precision required to support space programs over multiple decades.
I always find it incredible that engines designed 50+ years ago are continuing to be used in new programs today. – Terry Moore, Sales & Estimating Manager
Supporting Artemis II and ongoing space missions
With Artemis II now successfully underway, the mission demonstrates how proven propulsion systems and precise manufacturing continue to enable modern spaceflight.
BMT Aerospace is proud to support the RL10 engine with components that contribute to safe, controlled and reliable mission execution.
More information about the Artemis II mission is available on NASA’s website:
https://www.nasa.gov/mission/artemis-ii/