Hot-Fire of LOX-Methane Engine:
NASA officials say the hot-fire test of an engine fueled by liquid oxygen and liquid methane ran successfully for 103 seconds. They called the test a “major milestone” in the search for next-generation spaceflight technologies. NASA has been working on the endeavor with Air Force Research Lab at Kirtland AFB, N.M., and KT Engineering at Huntsville, Ala. There are three additional hot fire tests planned using the current engine configuration.
The U.S. military conducted strikes on Iranian targets around the Strait of Hormuz on May 7, as the conflict with Iran flared up again—though officials say the ceasefire remains in effect.