SMRTR Science & EngineeringMay 18, 2026Interesting Engineering

Students test rotating rocket engine with 20,000 blasts per second for space missions

SMRTR summary

Swiss engineering students at ETH Zurich successfully tested a rotating detonation rocket engine, firing 20,000 controlled explosions per second using propane and liquid oxygen. The technology, also pursued by NASA and Japan, could slash launch costs since fuel makes up 80–90% of a rocket's weight, potentially allowing spacecraft to carry heavier payloads into orbit.

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