Space Science & Technology | 10th November 2026
The European Space Agency (ESA) has completed a new series of firing tests of its Prometheus reusable rocket engine, demonstrating improved ignition capabilities and a newly manufactured combustion chamber.
The tests took place on 29 October at the P5 test facility in Lampoldshausen, Germany, with results announced on 6 November. Developed by ArianeGroup, Prometheus uses liquid methane and liquid oxygen and is intended to power future European launch vehicles.
During the campaign, engineers successfully restarted the engine several times without a separate high-pressure starter system, demonstrating a capability important for reusable rockets during return and landing manoeuvres.
New Manufacturing and Testing Capabilities
The tests also validated a combustion chamber manufactured using cold gas spray, an additive manufacturing technique that deposits metal powder onto a component at high velocity. The process could reduce manufacturing time, complexity and production costs.
The P5 facility, operated by the German Aerospace Center (DLR), has also been upgraded to support methane-fuelled engines. Previously used for Europe's Ariane rocket programmes, it can now accommodate more advanced propulsion testing.
Prometheus is designed to deliver approximately 100 tonnes of thrust, with adjustable power and multiple ignition capability.
The next development stage will involve testing an improved Mark 2 engine at ArianeGroup's Vernon facility in France.
The programme forms part of Europe's efforts to develop reusable launch technologies and reduce the cost of independent access to space. Although the latest ground tests demonstrate progress, Prometheus has yet to complete an operational flight.
Add comment
Comments