Technology / Other
ESA reports Prometheus engine tests at upgraded German facility
The Oct. 29 firings tested methane capability and a new combustion-chamber manufacturing method.
Status: source-checked.
According to ESA, the Prometheus reusable rocket engine completed several hot-fire tests Oct. 29 at the P5 facility in Lampoldshausen, Germany, the European Space Agency said Friday. The bench was upgraded to supply methane fuel.
The tests included a combustion chamber made using cold gas spray, an additive process that bonds metal powder to a chamber body. ESA said the engine also demonstrated repeated ignition without a high-pressure starter system.
ESA said a later campaign will test an improved version called Mark 2, beginning at ArianeGroup’s Vernon center in France. The reported firings were ground tests, not a demonstration of reuse in flight.
What we know / what we don't
What we know
- According to ESA, the Prometheus reusable rocket engine completed several hot-fire tests Oct. 29 at the P5 facility in Lampoldshausen, Germany, the European Space Agency said Friday. The bench was upgraded to supply methane fuel.
- The tests included a combustion chamber made using cold gas spray, an additive process that bonds metal powder to a chamber body. ESA said the engine also demonstrated repeated ignition without a high-pressure starter system.
- ESA said a later campaign will test an improved version called Mark 2, beginning at ArianeGroup’s Vernon center in France. The reported firings were ground tests, not a demonstration of reuse in flight.
What we don't know
- Performance and manufacturing-benefit statements come from ESA; the release gives no demonstrated per-flight cost.
The source record