• In brief New European rocket engine Greta has completed a hot-fire test campaign, demonstrating stable operations, shutdowns and multiple restarts on a mobile test stand developed by ArianeGroup for the European Space Agency at ArianeGroup’s Trauen site in Germany. • Greta runs on more sustainable propellants than traditional rocket engines in the same thrust class. • The engine could be used on lunar landers or on large kick stages such as Ariane 6 add-on Astris. • In-depth The Greta project, part of the European Space Agency’s Future Launchers Preparatory Programme (FLPP) is developing a 5 kN thrust class rocket engine that can be restarted reliably several times. • Greta uses hydrogen peroxide and ethanol as propellants, a more sustainable alternative with a lower carbon footprint compared to monomethyl hydrazine propellant used by most traditional rocket engines in this thrust range. • Test success Greta was ignited multiple times from July to November 2025 and showed stable operations, including controlled shutdowns.

Article Summaries:

  • Greta rocket engine completes first test campaign In brief - New European rocket engine Greta has completed a hot-fire test campaign, demonstrating stable operations, shutdowns and multiple restarts on a mobile test stand developed by ArianeGroup for the European Space Agency at ArianeGroup’s Trauen site in Germany. - Greta runs on more sustainable propellants than traditional rocket engines in the same thrust class. - The engine could be used on lunar landers or on large kick stages such as Ariane 6 add-on Astris. In-depth The Greta project, part of the European Space Agency’s Future Launcher

Sources: