Astrium Space Propulsion
Rocket engines, thrusters, propulsion systems and components for the access, utilisation and exploration of space.
The Headquarters of Astrium's Space Propulsion Division is located in Ottobrunn, Germany. Together with our related sites at Lampoldshausen, Bremen, Friedrichshafen and Trauen, we have been specialising in the design, development, production, integration and testing of rocket engines, complete space propulsion systems, subsystems and components for almost 50 years.
Our primary space propulsion activities are distributed between two specialist centres located in Ottobrunn, Munich and Lampoldshausen, near Stuttgart. These two centres have the following expertise:
Ottobrunn - Launcher Propulsion
Rocket engines & thrust chambers from Ottobrunn used on all stages of Ariane 5. Image: courtesy ESA
Formerly MBB (Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm) in the late 1960s, EADS Astrium Ottobrunn is the European centre of competence for liquid propellant rocket engines and thrust chambers for launch vehicles and their upper stages.
Thrust from Ottobrunn has powered all versions of the Ariane launcher family since the first launch of Ariane 1 in 1979. Today, rocket engines and thrust chambers from Ottobrunn continue to be used on Ariane 5, and on each of its cryogenic and bipropellant upper stage variants.
The Ottobrunn team have pioneered many of the technological development in rocket engines, having set a number of European and world records. Rocket engine technologies from Ottobrunn have also contributed to the development of the Space Shuttle Main Engines - the world's first reusable man-rated rocket engine.
The thrust chamber is the heart of every liquid rocket engine. Modern manufacturing methods combined with expertise gathered since 1963 has enabled the Ottobrunn team to develop highly efficient and reliable thrust chambers for both cryogenic and bipropellant rocket engines. These state-of-the-art thrust chambers are used in both our own rocket engines, as well as those of Snecma, France.
More information: Ottobrunn Home
Lampoldshausen - Spacecraft Propulsion
Series thruster production for spacecraft propulsion systems at Lampoldshausen
EADS Astrium Lampoldshausen is the European centre of competence for propulsion systems, bipropellant thrusters, hydrazine thrusters and liquid apogee engines for spacecraft and orbital satellites.
Propulsion systems, sub-systems and components from Lampoldshausen are used for a diverse range of satellite and spacecraft applications including orbital satellites, interplanetary spacecraft, re-entry vehicles and automated resupply missions to the International Space Station. Typical examples are featured in our Showcase
Thruster based propulsion systems from Lampoldshausen are also used for launch vehicle roll control and upper stage attitude control, as typically used on the Ariane 5 AOCS.
The Lampoldshausen centre also supplies the propulsion systems for hundreds of satellites and spacecraft launched by Ariane 5 and other international launch vehicles, as can be seen in the Spacecraft Propulsion Heritage Catalogue.
Hot-fire testing of propulsion systems, thrusters and rocket engines
EADS Astrium Lampoldshausen is located within the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) The centre incorporates both company owned and ESA facilities for the testing of large rocket engines, thrusters, propulsion systems and subsystems.
Meteosat Propulsion System
Meteosat
More information: Lampoldshausen Home
Propulsion for Any Space Mission
Propulsion for any space mission
Together, the Ottobrunn and Lampoldshausen Centres supply all of the flight proven propulsive means for the access, utilisation and exploration of space.
Our smallest thruster could power a model car small enough to hold in one's hand, while the thrust chamber of just one of our largest rocket engines could power a jumbo jet.
We are able to provide thrust for any space mission or application through the use of our rocket engines, thrust chambers, bipropellant thrusters, monopropellant thrusters, ion engines, satellite propulsion systems and propulsion systems for interplanetary spacecraft.
Today, our space propulsion developments continue with the future evolution of Ariane 5, higher performing rocket engines and thrusters, new space technologies, new materials and new manufacturing processes and procedures.
Investing in the Future
To enhance future developments, a company owned test centre has been established for satellite and launcher propulsion.
New manufactuing and production centre for rocket engines and cryogenic valves
Notable investments have also been made in the construction of a new rocket engine production centre for high performance machining, CNC and robotic manufacturing and specialist processes. Astrium has also invested a total of 17.5 Million Euros from its own funds into the Ottobrunn site.
Implementation of new technologies is supported by the Bavarian Research Foundation.
New technologies, notable investments and our heritage and passion for excellence will further reinforce our position as the European centre of competence for space propulsion.