Toulouse-based startup Alpha Impulsion has completed a short test firing of an autophage rocket engine. The company plans to use the novel propulsion system to power its 25-metre Grenat rocket.
The Alpha Impulsion autophage engine features a solid fuel tube with a liquid oxidiser sealed in its core. Two pistons push the tube into the combustion chamber where a catalyst converts the oxidiser into hot gas. This gas then reacts with the solid fuel, generating thrust. Put simply, the engine consumes its own structure as it burns.
In late May, Alpha Impulsion conducted a six-day test campaign at Agen Airport in the south of France. On 27 May, the company carried out a 17-second static fire test of what it described as the “largest autophage rocket engine in the world.”
According to a press release published by the company following the test, all of its technical goals were achieved. These included stable ignition and controlled combustion, as well as confirmation that the structure remained intact under operational pressure. The test also validated the tightness of the engine’s dynamic seals and confirmed the correct functioning of the oxidiser filling procedure.