In the world of high-thrust propulsion, the infrastructure on the ground is just as critical as the vehicle in the air. At Elara Aerospace, the structural foundation of our suborbital mission is built with premium steel from Montanstahl AG, a Swiss-based leader in special steel profiles.
"You can tell just by handling it: this steel from Montanstahl is made to stand the forces we’re testing our engine for."
Adrian Jean-Ludwig Leutner, Elara Aerospace
The hydrostatic water test stand serves as a critical validation platform before any propellant ever touches the hardware. It is used for comprehensive injector testing to ensure perfect spray patterns, cooling channel pressure drop tests to verify thermal management efficiency, and initial turbo pump validation. By testing these systems with water first, Elara can identify and solve potential issues in a controlled, safe environment.
But the progress doesn't stop there. Several more stands are currently being welded and assembled, and the program's most ambitious structural project, the official launch table, is nearing completion. Thanks to the precision manufactured beams provided by Montanstahl, the assembly process has been significantly streamlined; it was often just a matter of aligning the high-tolerance profiles and welding the frame together to achieve industrial-grade structural integrity.
These test stands are the backbone for testing rocket tanks, preparing for full-scale engine static fires, and enabling regular suborbital access for research and innovation. By supplying the "bones" of Elara's infrastructure, Montanstahl is a vital partner in the journey toward Europe’s first student-built reusable suborbital rocket.
As we continue to expand our testing capabilities, we are paving the way for future hypersonic innovation. Together, Elara and Montanstahl are proving that industrial excellence and student ambition can build the future of sovereign space access.