Rocket Engines and
Thrust Chambers

LV Propulsion
Aestus
Vulcain
Vulcain 2
HM 7B
Vinci
RS 72
300 N cryo. Engine

Launch Vehicle Propulsion

Cryogenic and bipropellant rocket engines and thrust chambers for launch vehicles and upper stages

Since 1957, rocket engine and propulsion technology has been one of our most important and successful core businesses. During that time, the Ottobrunn division of EADS Astrium has become a European centre of excellence for launch vehicle and upper stage propulsion, having set a number of World and European achievements.

Rocket engines, rocket subsystems and associated technologies developed at Ottobrunn have contributed to the success of the Ariane launch vehicle family and the US space shuttle. Upper stage rocket engines from Ottobrunn have placed hundreds of heavy commercial satellites into their target orbits as well as the Automated Transfer Vehicle for resupplying the International Space Station.

Our Range of Rocket Engines and Thrust Chambers
Our rocket engines and combustion chambers have a thrust range from 30 kN to 1,340 kN and include:

	Aestus - A versatile pressure fed engine used on the bipropellant upper stage of Ariane 5.
	Vulcain - Thrust chamber for the original cryogenic main stage engine of Ariane 5.
	Vulcain 2 - Thrust chamber for the current cryogenic main stage engine of Ariane 5.
	HM 7/7B - Thrust chamber for the cryogenic upper stage engine of Ariane's 1 to 4 and the ESC-A upper stage of Ariane 5.
	Vinci - Thrust chamber for the ESC-B upper stage engine that will replace the HM 7B.
	RS 72 - A pathfinder turbopump engine based on the Aestus bipropellant engine.
	300 N Engine - A high performance, compact cryogenic pressure fed engine.

Rocket Engine Technology, Manufacturing and Test
As in the past, today, we are at the forefront of propulsion technology and product excellence based on proven analytical tools, thermodynamic and structure mechanics engineering, the latest manufacturing and production facilities, materials technology, surface technologies, welding technologies, quality management, readily available test facilities - and a wealth of experience.

Rocket Engine Sub-assembly Supply
The heart of every rocket engine is the combustion chamber. The Ottobrunn Centre is the European leader in the design, development and manufacture of reliable, high efficiency, rocket engine combustion chambers. These are not only used in our own engines, but are also supplied to customers and partners, such as Snecma, for use in their own rocket engines.

We design, develop and manufactur rocket engines and thrust chambers for both pressure-fed and turbopump systems using earth storable and cryogenic propellants. We also supply nozzle extensions, propellant valves for rocket engines and propellant valves for rocket propulsion systems.

Thrust Chamber - Vulcain Rocket Engine Powers the cryogenic main stage of Ariane 5

Aestus Rocket Engine Powers the bipropellant upper stage of the generic version of Ariane 5

Small Rocket Engines - Thrusters and Apogee Engines
Generally, we refer to rocket engines as having a thrust level greater than 400 N, while thrusters have a thrust level of 400 N or less. Accordingly, the Ottobrunn Centre is responsible for rocket engines for launch vehicle and upper stage propulsion, whereas the EADS Astrium Lampoldshausen Centre is responsible for thrusters and apogee engines for spacecraft.

The Lampoldshausen Centre specialises in the design, development and manufacture of hydrazine thrusters, bipropellant thrusters, apogee engines, including the new European apogee motor, the 200 N Attitude Control and Braking Thrusters for the ATV as well as complete propulsion systems for orbital and interplanetary missions.

Hot-Fire Testing
The hot fire testing of rocket engines, thrusters, apogee engines, spacecraft propulsion system and some upper stages is carried out at the Lampoldshausen test facility within the German Space Agency site DLR.

Contact for Further Information