Aerospace
SMETarget: Private small launcher startup
If you are a startup dealing with high upfront costs for test stands — this project developed a modular ground segment that allows you to pay 25k€ per test instead of building your own facility.
Eu-BEST · Project
Standardized Testing-as-a-Service for Rocket Engines and Space Launchers
transportTestedTRL 5
Imagine if every car company had to build its own unique crash-test facility from scratch; it would be incredibly expensive. This project creates a 'universal plug-and-play' testing station where different rocket makers can rent space to test their engines. It's like moving from owning a private garage to using a professional, shared high-tech workshop.
By the numbers
500kN
Maximum engine thrust performance
200
Tests per year
25k€
Target cost per test
The business problem
What needed solving
Launcher companies face massive CAPEX and OPEX costs because they must build their own specific ground testing facilities. This creates a financial barrier for small private launchers and slows down the reuse cycle.
The solution
What was built
A modular and mobile ground testing bench for rocket engines and stages. It includes a virtual commissioning system to ensure interoperability between different manufacturers.
Audience
Who needs this
Private small launcher companiesRocket engine manufacturersSpaceport infrastructure operatorsGovernment space agencies
Business applications
Who can put this to work
Defense
enterpriseTarget: Rocket engine manufacturer
If you are a manufacturer dealing with slow qualification cycles — this project developed an interoperable bench capable of 200 tests per year to speed up production.
Infrastructure
mid-sizeTarget: Spaceport operator
If you are an operator dealing with rigid, single-use facilities — this project developed mobile and modular ground means that can serve different launchers at one location.
Frequently asked
Quick answers
What is the target cost per test?
The project targets a price of 25k€ per test.
What is the industrial scale of the facility?
The facility is designed to handle up to 500kN and perform 200 tests per year.
How is the intellectual property or licensing handled?
Based on available project data, the project focuses on a new business model where standardized services are sold to launchers, though specific licensing terms are not detailed.
What is the timeline for implementation?
The project runs from November 2023 to October 2026, targeting a market environment for 2030.
How does this integrate with existing launchers?
It uses vertical interoperability to provide an equivalent experience and service for different launchers at a single location.
Consortium
Who built it
The consortium is heavily industry-driven with an 86% industry ratio, consisting of 6 industrial partners and 1 research entity. With 3 SMEs involved across 4 countries (DE, ES, FR, IE), the group is structured for commercial delivery rather than academic research, led by a professional systems integrator (Eiffage Energie Systemes Clemessy).
How to reach the team
Contact Eiffage Energie Systemes Clemessy regarding the modular ground segment business model.
Next steps
Talk to the team behind this work.
Request a detailed analysis of the interoperable testing standards developed by Eu-BEST.
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