Protolaunch Lands on Mars Contract

Protolaunch Awarded Contract to Develop Propulsion Test Bench Throttling Control Valves for the ExoMars Rosalind Franklin Lander

Westcott, UK – 01/07/2025 – Protolaunch are thrilled to announce its selection by Airbus Defence and Space UK to develop the Throttling Control Valves for lander engine breadboard testing of the European Space Agency’s ExoMars Rosalind Franklin Lander.

Protolaunch will be responsible for the design, development, and delivery of the Throttling Control Valve hardware required for the testing of the Lander Propulsion System. The Throttling Control Valves will be tested on the Propulsion mock up test bench at Airbus from mid-2025. Protolaunch will also conduct the full qualification test campaign for these critical valves.

Protolaunch's expertise in the design and development of Throttling Control Valves for space propulsion systems enabled a uniquely short lead-time, unmatched within the European market. Airbus’ decision to partner with Protolaunch underscores the company's recognised Throttling Control Valve expertise and its demonstrated ability to deliver high-performance solutions within constrained timelines.

Protolaunch's Throttling Control Valve

Protolaunch's capabilities in this area were enhanced through a UK Space Agency contract as part of the Space Exploration Technology Program initiated in 2021. This project, aimed at commercialising innovative UK-based technologies, allowed Protolaunch to raise the Technology Readiness of its cavitating venturi flow control valve technology.  This UK Space Agency support has since proven instrumental in catalysing industry engagement and ultimately securing this contract. It’s a great example of the UK Space Agency empowering UK SMEs to research cutting edge technology that builds the foundations of future commercial products.

Liz Johns, Interim Head of Space Exploration at the UK Space Agency, said: “This contract award is a fantastic example of how UK Space Agency investment helps companies like Protolaunch turn early-stage innovation into flight-ready technology and play a key role in international missions. Protolaunch’s success shows how targeted support for SMEs can unlock cutting-edge capabilities that strengthen our national space ecosystem and position the UK at the heart of international space exploration efforts. Rosalind Franklin is one of the most exciting exploration missions of our time, and UK contributions like will help answer the question of potential life on Mars.”

Recently at the Airbus Defence and Space ‘Above & Beyond’ event (which brought together leading industry, academic and agency partners) it was highlighted that there is a need for the UK Space industry to support national innovations – much like the Throttling Control Valves Protolaunch have developed. Given Airbus have been selected to design and build the landing platform for the one of the most cutting-edge space missions to date, the contract award with Protolaunch showcases Airbus’s commitment to fostering growth of the UK Space Industry and their confidence in applying the specialised skills of UK-based experts to world-leading missions.

This showcases a big win for UK Space whereby a UK Space Agency investment, a UK SME innovation and a UK Industry Prime have worked in unison to deliver on a cutting-edge mission to Mars.

“Protolaunch is thrilled to collaborate with Airbus Defence and Space on Rosalind Franklin Mars Lander, where we have really pushed our Throttling Valve capabilities" said Matt Escott, CEO of Protolaunch. "We are proud to work with Airbus and contribute to a mission as recognised as ExoMars Rosalind Franklin."

Looking ahead, Protolaunch remains dedicated to advancing its Throttling Valve technologies across the spectrum of chemical propulsion systems, including cryogenic applications, and is actively pursuing new opportunities to leverage this unique throttling experience in future space exploration missions.

Protolaunch is a UK-based chemical propulsion company specialising in the design, development, and testing of space propulsion systems. This propulsion expertise is underpinned by Protolaunch’s own, dedicated, propulsion test facility which enables end-to-end development and qualification services for clients around the world.

ExoMars is a European Space Agency’s large project that involves ExoMars program overall prime contractor Thales Alenia Space, Airbus Defence and Space as Rover Vehicle prime contractor in Stevenage, UK and OHB as Carrier Module prime contractor, in Bremen, Germany. Leonardo (Italy) provides the drill system. In addition, about 60 other industries are involved, and most ESA Member State countries are involved, with Italy as a prime programme participant. The Rover Operation Control Center which will control the surface mission has been built in ALTEC Torino (Italy).

Protolaunch Team showcasing their Throttling Control Valve