April 27, 2025 — Velkaara, Eurasia
Karman Space, private spaceflight company aiming to revolutionize low-cost access to orbit, announced today that it will be conducting a full-scale hotfire test of its brand-new Vortex-7 rocket engine. The test will take place next month at Astron Space's state-of-the-art propulsion test facility in Velkaara, Eurasia marking a major milestone in Karman's ambitious roadmap.
The Vortex-7 engine is the primary propulsion system for Karman’s upcoming Phoenix launch vehicle, a partially reusable, two-stage rocket designed for small to medium payloads bound for low Earth orbit. With a thrust rating of 840 kilonewtons at sea level and powered by a high-efficiency RP-1/LOX (kerosene and liquid oxygen) mixture, Vortex-7 is a critical step toward Karman’s first orbital launch, planned for 2025.
Astron Space, known for its own Pallas rocket program, has opened its massive Test Stand 3 to Karman’s team. The site, capable of handling up to 10 meganewtons of thrust, will host a full-duration static fire intended to simulate the complete first-stage burn profile of the Phoenix rocket.
About the Vortex-7 Engine
The Vortex-7 features several innovative design choices:
Oxygen-Rich Staged Combustion Cycle for high efficiency and reliability.
3D-Printed Combustion Chamber and Injector for rapid manufacturing and cost savings.
Regeneratively Cooled Nozzle using RP-1 to prevent overheating during long burns.
Throttling Capability from 60% to 100% thrust, enabling future landing operations for Phoenix’s first stage.
For Karman Space and for the broader spaceflight community, the ignition of the Vortex-7 will be more than just a test. It will be the first roar of a new player preparing to rise among the stars.