The Technology Innovation Institute (TII), the applied research arm of Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), has successfully designed, built, and test-fired the UAE’s first liquid rocket engine, marking a historic step in the nation’s space journey and strengthening its sovereign technological capabilities.
Liquid rocket engines are essential for modern space exploration, forming the backbone of reusable launch systems and enabling sustainable access to orbit. With this achievement, the UAE now has the expertise to develop propulsion systems crucial for orbital manoeuvring, station keeping, precision positioning, and future missions to the Moon and Mars.
The newly developed 250-newton thruster, capable of generating enough force to lift 25 kilograms on Earth, was entirely designed and built in the UAE. These engines are key for propelling and adjusting small satellites, supporting in-orbit operations and advancing space mobility.
During rigorous testing, the thruster achieved combustion efficiencies of up to 94%, with over 50 successful firings demonstrating its performance, reliability, and consistency — vital benchmarks for future in-space applications.
Dr Najwa Aaraj, CEO of TII, said: “This engine is more than a technical success – it represents the foundation of a capability that will enable the UAE to design, test and ultimately deploy propulsion systems for a range of future missions. By developing this expertise here in Abu Dhabi, we are ensuring that sovereign space technology becomes a reality, and that our nation’s talent is at the centre of shaping that future.”
TII’s liquid rocket programme brings together Emirati engineers and international experts, creating a knowledge base to empower national talent and inspire the next generation of space innovators. The programme aims to scale propulsion designs, develop engines with regenerative cooling, and enable independent and frequent access to space for scientific, commercial, and exploratory missions.
Dr Elias Tsoutsanis, Chief Researcher at TII, added: “Successfully firing the UAE’s first liquid rocket engine is a major step in building sovereign propulsion capability. With local test infrastructure planned, our focus will be on scaling propulsion systems and advancing technologies that can support future orbital and deep space missions. It’s an exciting moment — and just the first step in a much larger journey.”
While initial tests were conducted in the UK through international collaboration, dedicated test facilities are being planned in the UAE to support future engine development and continued innovation on home soil. The roadmap includes larger engines, cryogenic propellants, and capabilities for deep space missions, reflecting Abu Dhabi’s ambition to play a key role in global space exploration.
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
Do Follow: The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News LinkedIn Account | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Facebook | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Youtube | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Twitter |The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Whatsapp Channel | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Instagram
About us:
The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News is a premier platform dedicated to delivering latest news, updates, and insights from the tech industry. With its strong foundation of intellectual property and thought leadership, the platform is well-positioned to stay ahead of the curve and lead conversations about how technology shapes our world. From its early days as CIO News to its rebranding as The Mainstream on November 28, 2024, it has been expanding its global reach, targeting key markets in the Middle East & Africa, ASEAN, the USA, and the UK. The Mainstream is a vision to put technology at the center of every conversation, inspiring professionals and organizations to embrace the future of tech.
