Astrobotic achieves record 300-second hot-fire test with Chakram rocket engine

7 articles · Updated · Space.com · Apr 27

The Chakram rotating detonation rocket engine prototypes accumulated over 470 seconds of firing time at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, with each engine producing more than 4,000 pounds of thrust.
This marks the longest sustained firing of a rotating detonation engine to date, demonstrating stable, durable operation and addressing reliability concerns for future spacecraft propulsion.
Supported by NASA SBIR contracts and advanced manufacturing techniques, Chakram could power future Astrobotic lunar landers and cislunar vehicles, advancing the transition of RDRE technology from testing to flight readiness.

How will Astrobotic's new engine challenge established giants in the race back to the Moon?

A rival already flew a similar engine. Does this ground test truly put Astrobotic ahead?

Is a 3D printing breakthrough the secret behind this super-efficient new rocket engine?

A 300-second burn is a record, but is it long enough for an actual lunar mission?

While the U.S. celebrates this test, is it losing the next-gen rocket race to China?

How will a 15% fuel saving from this new engine reshape the business of space?