Technology
German company launches candle wax-powered rocket on test flight into space
German company HyImpulse successfully launched on Friday a candle wax-powered rocket capable of carrying commercial satellites on a test suborbital flight into space for the first time.
"We're signalling Germany's prowess as a spacefaring nation and expanding Europe's access to space," HyImpulse's chief executive Mario Kobald said in a statement.
The 12-metre, 2.5-tonne test rocket dubbed "SR75" lifted off shortly after 0500 GMT from a launch site in Koonibba, South Australia.
Read: Russia launches first space rocket developed since dissolution of Soviet Union
It is capable of carrying small satellites weighing up to 250 kg (551 pounds) to an altitude of up to 250 km (155 miles) while being fuelled by paraffin, or candle wax, and liquid oxygen.
Paraffin can be used as a cheaper and safer alternative fuel for rockets, reducing satellite transportation costs by as much as 50%, according to HyImpulse.
The company, which has 65 employees and was spun off from Germany's space agency DLR, said it already had orders for satellite transportation worth 100 million euros ($105 million).
he project was mostly privately financed with "some public backing", the startup's statement said.
Read: Iran launches Sorayya satellite, sets 'new record'
Hyimpulse aims to expand as demand for commercial satellites grows, and it is eyeing 700 million euros worth of annual sales by 2032.
By the end of next year, it plans to launch "SL-1", a larger, multi-stage rocket capable of deploying satellites weighing up to 600 kg into low Earth orbits.
-
Technology14h ago
CubeSats, the tiniest of satellites, are changing the way we explore the solar system
-
Technology15h ago
FCC fines consultant $6 million for AI-generated Biden robocall
-
Technology15h ago
Most detailed infrared map of Milky Way ever released shows 1.5 billion cosmic objects
-
Technology19h ago
Thermocouples for High Temperature Applications: Essential Components for Extreme Environments
-
Technology20h ago
The Evolution of Digital Gaming
-
Technology1d ago
Why Technology Scouting Is the Key to Future Business Growth
-
Technology1d ago
Assassins Creed Shadows delay prompts Ubisoft to announce internal review of the company
-
Technology1d ago
NASA’s Laser Demo Sets Records, Successfully Completes Mission