March 30, 2026
Astron kicks off ESA funded contract to demonstrate second generation hybrid electric turbopump
By Astron Systems
Astron has kicked off a project with ESA to build and demonstrate their second generation hybrid electric turbopump for multi-reuse small rocket engines.
This work is funded through ESA's GSTP (General Support Technology Program) to support the development of hybrid expander electric cycle rocket engines to unlock next-level reusability and lifetime within this size class of engine.
The work builds upon Astron's previous work and heritage building their first prototype hybrid electric turbopump and studying with ESA hybrid expander electric cycle rocket engines and pumps. This project focuses on fabricating the second-generation design for Astron's hybrid electric turbopump and demonstrating it operating with cryogenic liquid nitrogen.
Astron Systems are an award winning UK company leading developing small-lift class 100% reusable rockets for dramatically more flexible, fast, affordable, and net-zero carbon capable orbital launch and return of small payloads. Astron Systems is backed by prominent investors including Techstars Space, Tiny VC, SFC Capital, and partners with some of the best in the industry.