Rockets
Vega-E passes the M10 engine test: Europe accelerates toward autonomous access to space
The liquid methane and oxygen engine brings Europe's autonomous access to space closer. Avio calls it a decisive step.
The M10 engine has successfully completed a new test-bench campaign. It is the heart of the future upper stage of Vega-E, the evolution of Europe’s light launcher.
Unlike traditional engines using hypergolic propellants, the M10 burns a combination of liquid methane and oxygen: cleaner, cheaper and easier to handle on the ground.