Our first test flight is just the beginning! Behind the scenes, we are focused on up-scaling and improving our technology. We are excited to announce that we have successfully tested the central subsystem of our Helix 2.0 oxygen-rich staged-combustion engine: the powerpack. We have performed two successful hot-fire tests in which we have shown steady-state operation and cavitation limits. The powerpack incorporates the turbopump and pre-burner(s). It is the most complex as well as the most mechanically and thermally stressed subsystem of a staged-combustion engine. This milestone validated key technological challenges, such as the simultaneous ignition of multiple pre-burners and turbopump cavitation performance. The results are in-line with the predictions from our design models. The closed-cycle architecture of Helix allows us to push the performance envelope further: Helix 2.0 is designed to deliver double the thrust (200kN), while mass, production technology and costs remain comparable to Helix 1.0. The result for our customers: more payload for a lower budget! Excited about this news? Check out our career portal for employment opportunities and help us to elevate our Helix staged-combustion engine technology to the next level! ➡️