Europe’s Prometheus rocket engine completed several ground firings at a German test facility upgraded to supply methane. The campaign tested a new combustion chamber and repeated ignition without a high-pressure starter. The work supports development of reusable European launch systems, with a further campaign planned for an improved engine in France.
The Prometheus rocket engine completed several ground firings on 29 October at an upgraded facility in Lampoldshausen, Germany. The European Space Agency (ESA) announced the campaign on 6 November. Prometheus burns liquid methane with liquid oxygen and is being developed for future European launch systems designed for reuse. ArianeGroup is the programme’s main contractor.[1], [2]
A new combustion chamber underwent firing tests after being made through cold gas spray. This manufacturing process builds material onto a surface by spraying metal powder at high speed until it bonds to the chamber body. Engineers are pursuing simpler production of complex engine parts through such additive techniques.[1]
Prometheus also restarted repeatedly using engine inlet pressures instead of a high-pressure starter. ESA described that ignition method as a European first for an engine of this class. The work was conducted with the engine secured to the ground test facility.[1]
The P5 bench belongs to ESA and is operated by the German Aerospace Center. Previously used for hydrogen propulsion, it now supplies methane while retaining the ability to switch back to oxygen and hydrogen. Initial tests of an improved Prometheus version called Mark 2 are planned at ArianeGroup’s Vernon centre in France.[1]
