Given the extreme temperature and pressure fluctuations involved in space flight, this gives the engine an advantage over other rocket engines, which can suffer from weaknesses associated with joining and welding. UK-based aerospace firm Orbex has developed the world's first biopropane-compatible commercial rocket engine. The Prime rocket, a two-stage, carbon fibre and aluminium composite small launcher, can be powered through the use of the clean-burning renewable fuel, which could reduce emissions by as much as 90% compared with fossil fuels. "The UK is leading in this area but we are not alone – there are many countries around the world that have made significant progress on developing clean rockets," said Dr David Williams, chief executive of Or@@ Additionally, Orbex's separation system Magic leaves no orbital debris.
UK-based aerospace firm Orbex has developed the world's first biopropane-compatible commercial rocket engine. The Prime rocket, a two-stage, carbon fibre and aluminium composite small launcher, can be powered through the use of the clean-burning renewable fuel, which could reduce emissions by as much as 90% compared with fossil fuels. "The UK is leading in this area but we are not alone – there are many countries around the world that have made significant progress on developing clean rockets," said Dr David Williams, chief executive of Or@@ Additionally, Orbex's separation system Magic leaves no orbital debris.