Okay, so NASA's about to send astronauts back to the Moon, which is seriously cool. But get this: they're not just using shiny new tech. They're dusting off some oldies but goodies from the Space Shuttle program. I'm talking about rocket engines that have already been to space multiple times. Talk about recycling!

The Artemis 2 mission, set to launch as early as February 6, will be powered in part by three RS-25 engines that previously flew on Space Shuttle missions. It’s kind of wild to think about. I mean, these engines helped launch the Space Shuttle back in the '80s and '90s, and now they're going to help kickstart a new era of lunar exploration.

Think about it: RS-25 engine 2047 (E2047) is a veteran. It's got 15 space missions under its belt, including the final Space Shuttle mission in 2011. It's almost like a celebrity engine, getting ready for its big comeback. Then there's E2059, which helped power the Atlantis shuttle on missions to the ISS and even the Hubble Space Telescope. These engines aren't just pieces of metal; they're pieces of history.

Space shuttle main engine 2061 was also part of Endeavour‘s mission, delivering the Tranquility node and cupola to the ISS in 2010 as part of the shuttle’s 32nd mission to the space station.

These three engines have a combined total of 22 missions on their resumes. 22! That’s a lot of space miles. If you think about it, these engines have seen more of space than most of us ever will. However, there’s a catch. These engines are going to be used on the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket, which is fully expendable. So, after about 10 minutes, they’ll end up at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean. A bit of a sad ending, I think, for such seasoned travelers.

NASA has four contracts with Aerojet Rocketdyne for these reused RS-25 engines, but they'll eventually switch to newer models. Nasa using parts from past missions isn't just about saving money, it's a reminder that space exploration is built on the foundation of previous achievements. I like that about it.