Astron propulsion testing

Explore our propulsion testing capabilities

Capabilities

Our capabilities include:

  • Rocket engine tests with customer provided feed systems. We have experience with engines using HTP, Kerosene, Nitrous Oxide, IPA, and more. We have previously tested engines with thrust up to 8kN, but the site can already handle 20kN or more. This can include qualifying student engines for competitions like EuRoC and we offer promotional rates to student teams. We can handle procurement of propellants and storage of HTP, and can also supply some gases during tests through feed systems permanently installed on site.
  • Torch igniter and gaseous rocket engine testing. We can supply GCH4, GOX, GN2, GH2 and some other similar propellants at high pressure through feed systems established on the test site.
  • Pressurised water testing. We can supply up to 1kg/s of water at up to 10 bar (gauge) for short durations for example for testing and characterising pumps or injector elements and other flow resistances.
  • Cryogenic liquid nitrogen testing. We can supply up to 5kg/s of LN2 at up to 10 bar (gauge) for short durations for example for testing and characterising cryogenic pumps.
  • Test campaign planning, review, and execution. We can help review and work on test plans and intended test setups to ensure they can be operated safely remotely and are fail-safe ahead of test campaigns.
  • Data acquisition. We can log and measure variables like pressures, temperatures, and some flow rates. We can also remotely actuate some valve types.

All testing activities are carried out remotely with personnel at a safe distance. Hardware for testing needs to be operated remotely, and designed to return to a safe condition without intervention.

Book your test campaign

The facility

All propulsion testing is carried out at Astron's facility "C-Site" at Westcott Venture Park in Buckinghamshire. The test site has history, originally constructed around 1947 when the wider Westcott site was the UK's primary cold war rocketry development center, and has been modernised in recent years to once again host test campaigns for the next generation of propulsion technologies.

The site consists of two test bays, the high thrust test bay and the low thrust test bay, as well as adjoining rooms which house equipment protected from the firing bays. It's planned to upgrade the site to also add cryogenic run tanks for liquid methane and liquid oxygen, and a water deluge system for acoustic suppression, to be able to support tests of high thrust liquid methalox bipropellant engines.

Westcott C Site picture