Can Computers and Russian Experts Collaborate to Design a Reusable Space Launch Vehicle in Dubai?
In the ever-evolving world of space exploration, several new players are making their mark with innovative approaches to rocket engine development. Among these are LEAP 71, PDT Aerospace, and Aspire Space.
LEAP 71, co-founded by Lin Kayser and Josephine Lissner in 2023, has already made waves with its 5 kn aerospike engine. The engine, built by subcontractors based on LEAP 71's designs, is a testament to the company's rapid advancements in the field. Kayser, the company's founder, asserts that their proprietary software, Noyron, is key to their speed and efficiency, aiming to be much faster than other companies in the industry.
Meanwhile, PDT Aerospace, founded by Lin Kayser and Josephine Lissner in Germany, is focused on accelerating rocket engine development. The company has achieved success in the development of aerospike engines and is currently working on projects with The Exploration Company for spacecraft propulsion systems.
Across the globe, Aspire Space, a Luxembourg-based rocket firm, is making strides in the development of a reusable medium-lift launcher. The company, led by CEO Stan Rudenko, boasts a team of aerospace engineers from the former Soviet orbit. Rudenko revealed that the company is self-funded, although the exact amount of capital amassed has not been disclosed. The goal is to debut the launcher by 2030.
Rudenko also forecasts that the entire project, including a launcher capable of 15 tons to LEO, a reusable spacecraft, ground infrastructure, and the first flight, will cost more than $1B. The development and test plans in the UAE suggest one likely backer for the company.
Aspire Space's CTO is Sergey Sopov, a long-time Russian space engineer who helped design the Dnepr rocket. The team at Aspire is not alone in facing challenges, as access to physical testing locations is a critical path for almost every new space startup. This obstacle is also a concern for LEAP 71, with Kayser mentioning that even densely populated areas like the UAE present challenges in finding suitable testing locations.
On a similar note, Relativity Space and Rocket Lab have also been making strides in methalox engine development. Relativity Space began developing a methalox engine for its medium-lift Terran R rocket no earlier than 2021 and first fired it in late 2023. Rocket Lab announced the development of a methalox engine for its Neutron vehicle in 2021 and fired it in 2024.
LEAP 71 is aiming to start firing the second-stage engine of its propulsion system in Q3 2026. Kayser expects LEAP 71's learning software to deliver a major advantage over competitors, potentially revolutionising the speed and efficiency of rocket engine development.
As these companies continue to push boundaries and innovate, the future of space exploration looks exciting and promising.
