Alpha Impulsion Tests Autophage Engine Prototype for Grenat Rocket - European Spaceflight

Alpha Impulsion Tests Autophage Engine Prototype for Grenat Rocket - European Spaceflight

Credit: Alpha Impulsion Toulouse-based startup Alpha Impulsion has completed a short test firing of an autophage rocket engine. The company plans to use the novel propulsion system to power its 25-metre Grenat rocket. The Alpha Impulsion autophage engine features a solid fuel tube with a liquid oxidiser sealed in its core. Two pistons push the tube into the combustion chamber where a catalyst converts the oxidiser into hot gas. This gas then rea…