by The Exploration CompanyDEFR
High-thrust liquid rocket engine using liquid oxygen and bio-methane. 180-ton sea-level thrust. Built on full-flow staged combustion cycle. Designed for reusable European launch vehicles.
Full-scale development underway; pre-burner tests completed August 2026.
Checked 10 Oct0 updates this week
Both fuel and oxidizer feed turbines that drive turbopumps. Propellant reaches combustion chamber at high pressure for high efficiency and reusability.
Engine components built and tested across European partners, establishing independent European heavy-lift capability.
Engine designed to survive multiple firings with minimal refurbishment, reducing launch costs through reusability.
| Spec | Storm |
|---|---|
| Sea-level thrust | 180 metric tons-forceR (reported) |
| Propellant | Liquid oxygen and bio-methaneR (reported) |
| Engine cycle | Full-flow staged combustionR (reported) |
R reported by the company
The Exploration Company
Nyx reusable capsule, Storm rocket engine
European space company founded 2021. Develops Nyx, a reusable orbital capsule (4,000 kg to LEO, 3,000 kg return), and Storm, a high-thrust engine. Dual headquarters in Gauting, Germany and Le Haillan, France. Over 400 employees.
exploration.space (opens exploration.space)Company profile →
