May 2025, 2025 - South Ageria, Uthain
Karman Space is preparing to ignite the future. The aerospace startup announced that the first test fire of its Vortex engine, the propulsion system set to power the company’s debut launch vehicle Phoenix, is scheduled to take place later this month.
The Vortex engine marks a significant milestone in Karman Space’s pursuit of reliable, reusable orbital access. Designed with efficiency, reusability, and performance at its core, Vortex is a liquid-fueled, staged combustion engine utilizing high-thrust capabilities intended to support the Phoenix rocket’s first stage.
Inside the Engine
Vortex is built around a regeneratively cooled combustion chamber, a high-efficiency turbopump, and a precision throttle control system—all key features that enable flexibility for both cargo and small satellite launches.
It’s expected to deliver thousands of kilonewtons of thrust, tailored for a partially reusable system. The engine will eventually support boost-back, reentry, and landing maneuvers, making it a central component in Phoenix’s reusability roadmap.
Where It’s Happening
The upcoming static fire will take place at Astron Space’s testing facility in Velkaara, Eurasia, where the team has been assembling and pressure-testing the first Vortex development unit over the past several months.
The test fire will validate:
Start-up and shutdown sequences
Combustion stability
Injector performance
Turbopump dynamics
Thermal loads on engine components
The company has hinted at a live-streamed or post-event public release, giving space enthusiasts a first look at the engine in action.
What Comes Next
If successful, the test fire will pave the way for full-duration hot fires and eventually integrated stage tests with the Phoenix vehicle. Karman Space is targeting a first orbital demonstration flight of Phoenix in early 2026.
For a startup founded with the mission of democratizing access to space, the successful ignition of Vortex will signal more than just technical progress—it will be the spark that lights the path forward.