Test Readiness Review Team

The Test Readiness Review Team at the P3.2 test bench are standing in front of the full-scale engine technology demonstrator of an upper-stage rocket motor.

ETID or Expander-cycle Technology Integrated Demonstrator, at the DLR German Aerospace Center test facility in Lampoldshausen was prepared for its first ignition on 12 June 2018.

By the end of the year, ETID will be ignited 20 times with each firing lasting up to 120 seconds on a test stand that provides a near-vacuum environment similar to space.

Results from the project should pave the way towards a lightweight, high-performing rocket stage, while also indicating methods of substantially reducing its serial production cost, honing its market competitiveness.

Led by ArianeGroup in Germany, the ETID project is part of ESA’s Future Launchers Preparatory Programme.