Engines for high levels of reuse for this vehicle size and performance have to be built differently. Aurora uses 10 of Astron Systems' own RELIANT engines, pioneering the new hybrid expander electric cycle architecture and Astron's novel hybrid-electric turbopump system architecture, achieving unmatched long lifetime and reliability at this vehicle scale. Each sea level variant engine is capable of producing 55kN of thrust at sea level.

The RELIANT engine thrust chambers are also additively manufactured for enhanced performance, the same as most other modern rocket engines.

Aurora's heat shield architecture builds upon the state of the art for reusable heat shields coming from ESA's Space Rider development. Aurora's upper stage heat shield architecture, similar to Space Rider, consists of large and readily servicable panels each constructed from a thin aeroshell made of a high temperature capability ceramic matrix composite material and with lightweight insulating blankets behind to protect the vehicle's primary structure.

Flaps located towards the aft of the upper stage also provide stability and control during re-entry.

Aurora uses a parafoil recovery system for both rocket stages, building upon the heritage of the parafoil recovery system developed for ESA's Space Rider return capsule. Compared to propulsive landing this recovery approach, possible due to Aurora's smaller size, eliminates the need for operating expensive landing barges.