Significant Advancements in Prometheus Rocket Engine: A Leap Towards Affordable, Reusable European Launch Systems

Substantial strides have been made in the development of the cost-efficient, reusable Prometheus rocket engine, as revealed by testing activities at ArianeGroup’s Vernon-based test center in France on June 22, 2023. This engine’s development aligns with the parallel progression of the Themis rocket stage. Credit is attributed to ArianeGroup.

The initiative to create an economically viable and reusable rocket engine for European launch vehicles has marked significant advancements throughout the recent summer and autumn seasons. These milestones were achieved through rigorous testing, resulting in successful full ignition and a 30-second burn with subsequent re-ignition of an early Prometheus engine prototype.

Initial ignition was accomplished at ArianeGroup’s Vernon testing site in June 2023, followed by a 30-second firing and re-ignition event on October 20 of the same year.

Characteristics and Advantages of the Prometheus Engine

Operating in the 100-tonne thrust class, the Prometheus engine utilizes liquid oxygen and liquid methane as its propellants. Methane’s clean combustion qualities simplify handling processes, thereby facilitating reusability and minimizing the expenses associated with pre- and post-flight ground operations.

Furthermore, the adoption of innovative materials and manufacturing methodologies is projected to decrease costs to a level that is merely a fraction of the expenses associated with Ariane 5’s Vulcain 2 engine. An advanced variant of this, known as Vulcain 2.1, serves as the propulsion system for the core stage of Ariane 6.

Prometheus is an initiative co-developed by the European Space Agency (ESA) and ArianeGroup. Characterized as an ultra-cost-effective, reusable rocket engine prototype, it boasts a thrust capacity of 1000 kN and employs liquid oxygen-methane propellants. This makes the engine exceedingly versatile, rendering it appropriate for the core, booster, and upper stages of future European launch systems. Credit for this development goes to ArianeGroup Holding.

Insights and Future Testing Plans from ESA

Jean-Noel Caruana, the program manager for ESA’s Prometheus initiative, states that the series of tests conducted over the preceding year at the Vernon facility have yielded “significant” advancements in overcoming numerous challenges associated with the implementation of groundbreaking technology.

Caruana notes that up to this point, tests have been conducted on a single prototype engine. However, the pace of testing is expected to quicken with the forthcoming delivery of two additional prototypes. ArianeGroup, contracted by ESA for the development of Prometheus, plans to extend testing activities in the coming year by installing one of these new prototypes on a modified test bed at the German aerospace agency DLR’s testing location in Lampoldshausen, Germany.

Concurrent Developmental Efforts

The Prometheus engine has been tested in an initial prototype of a reusable rocket stage known as Themis, which is concurrently being developed under an ESA contract. Alongside ongoing engine assessments, preparations are also in progress for a more advanced Themis prototype to undergo a series of “hop-tests” in Kiruna, Sweden. The ultimate goal is to achieve a lift-off and ascend to a height of up to 100 meters to evaluate both flight and landing capabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Prometheus rocket engine

More about Prometheus rocket engine

• ArianeGroup Official Website
• European Space Agency (ESA) Prometheus Program
• DLR German Aerospace Agency
• Prometheus Engine: Technical Overview
• Reusable Rocket Propulsion Systems
• Vernon Test Facility
• Ariane 5’s Vulcain Engine
• Advances in Rocket Propulsion Technology
• Themis Rocket Stage Development
• Rocket Propellants: Liquid Oxygen and Methane