The 28 kN Engine marks an important step in Elara Aerospace’s propulsion development. As the first full-scale hardware of its kind produced within the program, it represents the transition from design work to physical manufacturing. At this stage, the engine has been successfully printed, inspected, and documented, with testing still ahead.
A major milestone was reached this winter when the primary 28 kN chamber and nozzle assembly completed its printing run and was revealed for the first time. The hardware is the result of months of design work focused specifically on additive manufacturing (AM), with the geometry optimized from the beginning for manufacturability, cooling integration, and structural efficiency.
Printed without support structures, the component highlights what is possible with specialized Aconity3D GmbH systems and high-grade powders from m4p material solutions GmbH. Complex internal cooling channels and key structural interfaces were incorporated directly into the print, reducing part count and simplifying the path toward assembly.
We also had the honor of showcasing our progress to President Thomas F. Hofmann of the Technical University of Munich. Our exhibit featured not only the Hopper hopper itself but also the high-performance 28 kN e-pump-fed engine that will serve as the heartbeat of our future space shot vehicles.
With the print now completed, the focus shifts to post-processing, inspection, and preparation for future hot-fire testing. Founder Tom Luca Reinhardt, upon receiving the chamber at Aconity3D, noted:
"Seeing it in hand for the first time really hits different. It shows what becomes possible when strong industry partnerships give students the tools to build ambitious hardware."
Although the engine has not yet been fired, the successful manufacture of this hardware is already a major achievement for the team. It validates the production approach, confirms the feasibility of the design, and establishes the foundation for the next phase of development.
Built in CuCr1Zr and designed for high-performance liquid propulsion, the 28 kN engine is intended to support Elara Aerospace’s long-term suborbital ambitions. The completed print is not the end of the story. It is the beginning of the test campaign that will define the engine’s future.