The European Space Agency (ESA) is Europe’s gateway to space. Its mission is to shape the development of Europe’s space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world.
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Exploring our Solar System and unlocking the secrets of the Universe
Go to topicProtecting life and infrastructure on Earth and in orbit
Go to topicUsing space to benefit citizens and meet future challenges on Earth
Go to topicMaking space accessible and developing the technologies for the future
Go to topicThe Storable Propulsion Technology Demonstrator helps develop technologies for a rocket engine in the thrust range between 3–8 kN. The technology developed in this project can be used in upper stages of small launchers or applications with similar thrust requirements like exploration missions or lander engines. The demonstrator uses novel cooling-, injector- and damping technologies.
As of 2016, it has successfully performed two test campaigns, performing both ground level as well as vacuum ignitions. Steady state behaviour was tested in a large range of operating points and for durations of up to 110 seconds.
In addition, combustion stability and thrust chamber length variations were tested.
Future developments will investigate options to adapt the engine for the combustion of storable green propellants which are more environmentally friendly and drastically reduce the necessary safety precautions for propellant handling.