We've been hard at work on the mobile test stand the past few weeks. The thrust structure was just completed and will be capable of accommodating engines with thrusts of up to 60kN.
Our propellants tanks will be going through hydrostatic testing over the coming week, and all the fluid and control system components are currently being readied. We did a test fit of the engine mount today before plumbing work commences and it proceeded smoothly.
We've been hard at work the past few months, and we recently just completed the first AO-H1 engine. The 9.5kN engine will power Trailblazer and form the basis of the Helios upper stage.
Stay tuned as we put the engine on the stand for a test fire!
We presented at NewSpace NYC on March 30th! We gathered at The Yard in Brooklyn where we discussed nanolaunchers, the space economy, and how to mass-produce rockets in the current launch market, amongst many other things! We also showcased our Cubesat products and components for our brand new 9.5kN rocket engine.
Check out our presentation below!
We’ve been busy at the Aphelion R&D facility lately and making steady progress on our Trailblazer vehicle! Engine development has been coming together very well and the composite chamber is currently being manufactured. The test facility, which will accommodate engines up to 30kN in thrust (for our orbital launch vehicle), is now under constructions and parts for it are coming over the next few weeks. Last but not least, we’ve invested a lot of time into our green hypergolic propellant production facility which will enable us to test and fly with minimal turnaround time. As things stand, we will be having our first test of the 9.5kN main engine in March.
Meanwhile, two new products for our Cubesat line will be released this month. We have also been putting the EPS and OBC software through their paces, so we will be able to officially start selling the Cubesat bus very soon.
Finally, our facility expansion is on the way! This for the time being will enable us to produce and launch Trailblazer vehicles multiple times a year.