Astron Space to Host Karman Space’s Vortex-7 Engine Test at Velkaara Facility
Velkaara, Eurasia April 27, 2025
Astron Space is excited to announce that Karman Space will be conducting the first full-scale hotfire test of their Vortex-7 engine at our Velkaara propulsion test site next month.
The Vortex-7 engine, designed for Karman's new Phoenix launch vehicle, will undergo a full-duration static fire on Astron’s Test Stand 3, a platform capable of handling high-thrust testing for advanced propulsion systems. This test will mark a major milestone for Karman Space as they prepare for the Phoenix rocket’s first flight later this year.
"Supporting the next generation of launch providers is central to Astron's mission," said Marta Duval, Chief Operating Officer of Astron Space. "We are honored to provide our facilities and expertise to help Karman Space bring the Vortex-7 engine to life.
The upcoming test will validate Vortex-7’s performance across a range of operating conditions, gathering critical data needed for Phoenix’s path to orbit.
Astron Space remains committed to fostering innovation and collaboration across the spaceflight community. We look forward to a successful campaign with Karman Space in the weeks ahead.