Last Friday, the 20th of May, the hybrid propulsion group had three successful system tests of the hybrid propulsion system under development for Stratos II.

The test engine had been redesigned to overcome leakage problems experienced with the previous generation of test motors.

The first test using a conventional axial oxidizer injector system ignited successfully and burned for 8 seconds creating remarkable 275 Newton of thrust. The nozzle unfortunately was damaged irreparably, but the rest of the motor stayed intact.

The second test featured a swirl injector that was tested earlier. The engine ignited properly but then blew out for yet unknown reasons.

Finally the first pyrovalve prototype was tested for leakage using nitrogen. At a pressure of 60 bar the only leakage found occurred at the threaded connection to the feed system proving the leak-tightness of the valve mechanism itself.