News

Ground broken on new SABRE rocket engine test site

Work is underway on the construction of a new rocket engine test facility at Westcott Venture Park in the UK.

The facility will fire the engine core of the European Space Agency-backed Synergistic Air-Breathing Rocket Engine (SABRE) propulsion system within the next three years.

The SABRE scoops up atmospheric air during the early stage of its flight to orbit. This dramatically cuts the need for the vehicle to carry bulky onboard oxygen for this part of the ascent, before switching to rocket mode drawing on internal propellants for its final climb to space.

The ESA said that the engine has the potential to revolutionise space launches, powering vehicles that can take off and land like aircraft.

The engine is capable of travelling up to five times the speed of sound, potentially leading to hypersonic air travel.

Reaction Engines Ltd has been working on the engine for a number of years, with ESA playing an integral technical management role since 2008.

The site has a close association with rocket research over past 70 years, having seen engines for the Blue Streak and Black Arrow rockets tested there.

Franco Ongaro, ESA Director of Technology, Engineering and Quality said: “The opening of this new test facility marks an historic moment for the European aerospace industry and for the UK research and development in rocket propulsion.

“This facility enables the ground test of the engine cycle, opening the way to the first test flights, and to a new era.

“ESA is proud of this partnership with industry and the UK Space Agency, to which we bring our technical competence, which has supported the development to this stage, and we are confident, to its future flight success.”

If you would like to join our community and read more articles like this then please click here

image © Reaction Engines Ltd

The post Ground broken on new SABRE rocket engine test site appeared first on Defence Online.

 

Who are we?

From publishing the first national directory of public sector contracts, to being the first to market with our online Tracker solution, we have been the true pioneers of technology and innovation in the public sector marketplace. Throughout our 39 years, we have continued to evolve and chart new territory – placing our customers at the heart of everything we do. Take your business to the next level with Tracker now.

If you request a demo today!

Download your Free UK Defence Industry Report

Start Your Free Trial Today

Download your Free UK Defence Industry Report

Download your Free UK Defence Industry Report

When you sign up for a 3 day free trial or demo.

Limited time only

    BiP Solutions owns DCI and we look after your details carefully. We offer a range of products, services and events (some of which are free) that help buyers tender more efficiently and suppliers find, bid for and win public and private sector contracts. Only tick this box if you wish to receive information about these. We will never share your details with third parties and you will have the opportunity of opting out of communications every time we contact you. For further details, please see our Privacy Policy