India's First Privately Built FFSC LOX-Methane Rocket Engine

India has achieved a significant milestone in its private space sector with the unveiling of the country's first privately built 800 kN Full-Flow Staged Combustion (FFSC) LOX-Methane rocket engine.

EVEREST Rocket Engine

• Developed by Astrobase Space Technologies, named EVEREST.
• Astrobase becomes only the fourth commercial company globally to develop a high thrust FFSC engine.

Global and National Context

• India joins Russia, the U.S., and China in having FFSC engine technology.
• The engine aims to enhance India's indigenous launch infrastructure and reusable launch capabilities.

Engine Specifications and Capabilities

• Thrust: 800 kN
• Specific Impulse: 340 seconds
• Throttle Range: 50%-110%
• Designed for reusable medium-lift launch vehicles.

Development and Testing

• Preparation for a full-engine hot-fire test, followed by vehicle integration and orbital launch development.
• Plan to manufacture and test about 20 engines before the first orbital flight.

Operational Capabilities

• Launch-on-demand capability: Mission preparation and launch within 15 days for urgent national requirements.

Support and Future Prospects

• Supported by IN-SPACe's Technology Adoption Fund (TAF).
• Development aligns with aims to bolster India's reliable access to space and opportunities in the global space economy.