Protolaunch Rocket Engine Testing at Westcott - Keeping Legacy Alive
- charlie2168
- Jun 25
- 2 min read
The Westcott Space Cluster in Buckinghamshire, UK, holds a unique and storied place in the history of the UK's rocket engine testing. What began as a pivotal site for Britain's Cold War rocket program has evolved into a vibrant hub for cutting-edge propulsion and rocket engine innovation, with Protolaunch at its forefront.
Westcott's Enduring Legacy in Rocket Engine Testing
For decades, the Westcott site was synonymous with the pioneering development and rigorous testing of rocket engines that powered Britain's aerospace ambitions. During the Cold War, its test stands reverberated with the thunder of engines, laying the groundwork for significant advancements in propulsion technology. This rich heritage established Westcott as a centre of excellence, attracting engineers, scientists, and ground-breaking projects. Even today, its historic significance underpins the UK's commitment to space exploration, providing an inspiring backdrop for the next generation of rocketeers.
Protolaunch's State-of-the-Art Propulsion Test Facility
Building directly upon this legacy, Protolaunch proudly owns and operates a state-of-the-art Propulsion and Rocket Engine Test Facility at our Westcott site. This modern facility combines historical significance with advanced capabilities, allowing us to offer a complete in-house service from design & manufacture to world-leading rocket testing and qualification campaigns. We've proudly supported customers on world-leading space missions, ensuring their propulsion systems are qualified to the highest space-ready standards.
Our comprehensive infrastructure includes:
10kN Rated Test Bench: The core of our facility, capable of handling a wide range of engine tests.
Gaseous System: Optimised for precise hot-fire propulsion testing with propellants like Oxygen, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, and Methane, and easily adaptable for other gases.
Cryogenic Testing Rig: Designed for use with Liquid Nitrogen, Liquid Oxygen, and Liquid Methane, with adaptability for Liquid Hydrogen. This rig facilitates Hot Fire Tests, Cold Flow Tests, and in-depth characterisation of pumps, engines, and valves.
Blowdown Rig: Specifically optimised for high-performance Liquid Bipropellant and Nitrous Hybrid propulsion testing, critical for various propulsion types.
Water Testing Rig: Dedicated to Cold Flow Testing and Simulant Testing of engines, valves, pumps, and other essential propulsion system components.
All our testing campaigns are managed by Protolaunch’s state-of-the-art software, enabling complex and precise test execution, and utilising our advanced Data Acquisition (DAQ) system for accurate and reliable data capture.
At Protolaunch, we're not just preserving history; we're actively shaping the future of space propulsion from the very grounds where British rocketry took flight.
