The European Space Agency (ESA) is Europe’s gateway to space. Its mission is to shape the development of Europe’s space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world.
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Exploring our Solar System and unlocking the secrets of the Universe
Go to topicProtecting life and infrastructure on Earth and in orbit
Go to topicUsing space to benefit citizens and meet future challenges on Earth
Go to topicMaking space accessible and developing the technologies for the future
Go to topicThe Test Readiness Review Team at the P3.2 test bench are standing in front of the full-scale engine technology demonstrator of an upper-stage rocket motor.
ETID or Expander-cycle Technology Integrated Demonstrator, at the DLR German Aerospace Center test facility in Lampoldshausen was prepared for its first ignition on 12 June 2018.
By the end of the year, ETID will be ignited 20 times with each firing lasting up to 120 seconds on a test stand that provides a near-vacuum environment similar to space.
Results from the project should pave the way towards a lightweight, high-performing rocket stage, while also indicating methods of substantially reducing its serial production cost, honing its market competitiveness.
Led by ArianeGroup in Germany, the ETID project is part of ESA’s Future Launchers Preparatory Programme.