Low cost high thrust propulsion for European strategic space launchers - technologies maturation including ground tests

Cost reduction and improving flexibility of European launch systems are the main challenges in order to foster European industry competitiveness on the global market.

The propulsion systems represent a significant part of launch system costs. It is necessary to mature new or optimised low cost effective (lower number of parts, better operability), high performance (high thrust to weight ratio, high specific impulse) and green propulsion concepts, technologies and propellants for high thrust engines.

The activities should address maturation of enabling technologies, building blocks, tools and processes including maintenance/overhaul and safety, up to TRL5/6 and subsystem tests including prototyping and integrated tests at subsystems level.

The matured technologies, building blocks, tools and processes should be applicable to strategic launchers able to launch EU Space Programme components, with the objective of enabling operational capacities by