Protolaunch Powers Up for Race2Space: Testing 10 Hybrid Rocket Engines at Westcott

We're thrilled to announce that between June 25th and July 10th, Protolaunch will be hosting a significant propulsion testing campaign for the Race2Space initiative. Our Propulsion Test Facility at E-Site, Westcott, will be buzzing with activity as we put 10 hybrid rocket engines through their paces.

These engines, fueled by a combination of Nitrous Oxide and a solid propellant, boast a wide range of thrust capabilities, from 400 Newtons up to a powerful 4.5 kiloNewtons. This diverse array of engines represents the cutting edge of student-led innovation in hybrid propulsion.

Over this intensive two-week period, our facility will welcome both operators and students from multiple Race2Space teams. It's an incredible opportunity for these aspiring engineers and scientists to gain invaluable hands-on experience in a professional testing environment. We're proud to support the next generation of space pioneers by providing the infrastructure and expertise necessary for their ambitious projects.

Our team has been working diligently to prepare the Westcott Propulsion Test Facility for this event. This follows the recent successful completion of a demanding qualification campaign for a UK-Space Prime Contractor on a world-leading science mission. We'll be sharing more details on that exciting project very soon, but for now, our focus is squarely on ensuring a safe and productive testing window for Race2Space.

We're incredibly excited to contribute to the advancement of hybrid propulsion technology and to foster talent within the UK space sector. Our State-of-the-Art Propulsion Test Facility

Our Propulsion Test Facility is designed to support a vast array of propulsion testing and qualification needs. At its core, the facility features a 10kN rated test bench, capable of handling a wide range of engine test campaigns.

The facility hosts numerous specialised rigs, enabling expansive testing capabilities:

• Gaseous Rig: Optimised for a variety of propellants including hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and methane, but adaptable for testing with other gases.

• Water Rig: Perfect for Cold Flow Testing and Simulant Testing, this rig is used to evaluate engines, valves, pumps, and other critical propulsion system components.

• Cryogenic Rig: Designed for testing with propellants like Liquid Nitrogen, Liquid Oxygen, and Liquid Methane, but can also be adapted for Liquid Hydrogen testing.

• Blowdown Rig: Specifically optimised for Nitrous Hybrids and Liquid Bipropellant systems, ensuring precise and reliable testing for these critical propulsion types.

  

The facility also hosts a cutting-edge Data Acquisition System which can sequence all of the valves across the various rigs, monitors pressure sensors, load cells and thermocouples and facilitate complex qualification campaigns. This comprehensive suite of testing capabilities underscores Protolaunch's commitment to advancing space propulsion technology and supporting the development of next-generation space systems. Stay tuned for updates from the test stands!