NASA has successfully conducted a 'critical' test of the Vega M10 engine, which is planned to be installed on next-generation space rockets.
NASA's stunning video of a successful test shows that the Vega lightweight European launcher could provide cheap and efficient rocket launches this decade. A hot-fire video footage of a 3-D printed prototype of the new engine shows the M10 Vega ready to go.
The brilliant blue flame fire from the pressure chamber causes ripples in the rainwater pools below. The rods of the camera assembly were fired 19 times over 450 seconds (about 7.5 minutes) at NASA's Space Flight Center, a traditional hub for developing new rocket technology.
The test is another key step in the long journey for Vega preparation. The system is facing stiff competition from private companies such as Elon Musk's SpaceX, which are looking to capitalize on the growing small launch vehicle industry.
The European Space Agency (ESA) has revealed the M10 engine is revolutionary in the use of environmentally friendly liquid oxygen and liquid methane to replace the second and third stage engines in the current Vega rocket. Here's what Giorgio Tumino, ESA's Vega Program Manager, noted:
'These test results are encouraging, confirming that our propulsion systems are on the right track and fit into a new high-tech design like the Vega.'
A rocket motor is usually one of the most expensive costs for space missions. However, the M10 is cheaper to build and more environmentally friendly. Since this rocket restarts and uses intelligent pressure control, it saves fuel significantly.
