Abu dhabi: 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 – a milestone that cements the nation’s growing sovereign space capabilities.
According to Emirates News Agency, liquid rocket engines are pivotal in modern space exploration, providing the foundation for reusable launch vehicles that will enable regular and sustainable access to space. By mastering this technology, the UAE now holds the ability to design propulsion systems essential for orbital manoeuvring, station keeping, precision spacecraft positioning, and future lunar and Martian missions.
The newly developed engine, a 250-newton liquid rocket thruster, was designed and developed entirely in the UAE. This engine produces the force needed to lift 25 kg on Earth and is commonly used for small satellite propulsion and orbital adjustments, making it essential for advancing space mobility. During rigorous testing, the thruster achieved combustion efficiencies of up to 94 percent, with over 50 successful firings validating the design, reliability, and consistency needed for future in-space applications.
Dr. Najwa Aaraj, CEO of TII, commented on the significance of this achievement, stating that the engine 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. She emphasized the importance of developing this expertise in Abu Dhabi, ensuring that sovereign space technology becomes a reality and that national talent plays a central role in shaping the future.
The liquid rocket programme at TII, based in Abu Dhabi, unites Emirati engineers with international experts to build a knowledge base that empowers national talent and inspires the next generation of space innovators. The programme aims to advance UAE in-space propulsion, including scaling propulsion designs, developing engines with regenerative cooling, and enabling independent and frequent access to space for scientific, commercial, and exploratory missions.
Dr. Elias Tsoutsanis, Chief Researcher at the Propulsion and Space Research Centre at TII, highlighted the importance of firing the UAE’s first liquid rocket engine as a major step in building sovereign propulsion capability. He noted that this milestone reflects the dedication of the team and the progress of in-space research, with a focus on scaling propulsion systems and advancing technologies to support future orbital and deep space missions.
Initial testing was conducted at Airborne Engineering’s facilities in the UK as part of an international collaboration. However, plans are underway to establish dedicated test infrastructure in the UAE, enabling future cold-flow and firing tests to take place locally and support continued innovation on home soil. The roadmap ahead includes scaling propulsion to larger engines, moving towards cryogenic propellants, and supporting deep space missions, showcasing Abu Dhabi’s determination to play a meaningful role in global space exploration.