Europe's Prometheus rocket engine successfully completes first hot-fire test

Europe has successfully conducted the first hot-fire test of its reusable Prometheus rocket engine, which is part of the Ariane Next launch program. The 100-tonne thrust engine, powered by oxygen and methane, completed a 12-second burn while integrated with the Themis first-stage demonstrator. The Prometheus engine is designed to be reusable up to five times and offers significant cost savings compared to the current Vulcain engine. The successful test marks a milestone in Europe's efforts to develop reusable launch vehicles and reduce the environmental impact of the space industry.