Sirius Space Successfully Tests STAR-1 Rocket Engine
Credit: Sirius Space Services
French launch startup Sirius Space Services has made significant progress by successfully conducting its first hot-fire test of the fully integrated STAR-1 rocket engine. This milestone was announced on September 12, indicating the successful completions of tests at Airborne Engineering’s propulsion test facility in southern England.
While the details on specific testing dates were not disclosed, the company mentioned that the campaign took place “this summer,” featuring multiple successful ignitions. This announcement suggests the testing timeline may have been slightly delayed from the original schedule outlined in March 2026, when full-engine tests were anticipated for the first half of 2026.
Key Highlights:
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Engine Specifications: The liquid oxygen and methane-fueled (methalox) STAR-1 can produce 55 kN of thrust and will be utilized across Sirius Space’s upcoming launch vehicles, all featuring a common core stage with nine STAR-1 engines.
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Planned Launches: The first commercial flight of the single-stick Sirius 1 rocket is scheduled for 2028, aimed at delivering payloads of up to 180 kilograms to low Earth orbit. This will be followed by the Sirius 13 rocket, designed to carry up to 800 kilograms, and the four-booster variant capable of up to 1,100 kilograms.
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Upcoming Testing: Before commencing commercial launches, Sirius is planning a suborbital test flight in 2027 using the Sirius 1B demonstrator. This mission aims to validate key technological components and performance under real conditions.
Conclusion
Sirius Space Services is clearly making strides in the competitive landscape of launch providers, with the successful testing of the STAR-1 engine marking an important step towards their planned launches in the coming years. The company’s commitment to continued testing illustrates their dedication to developing reliable launch vehicles for commercial use.
