Rigorous testing validates engine’s performance, reinforcing UAE’s progress in sovereign space technology
The Technology Innovation Institute (TII), the applied research arm of Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), has successfully designed, built, and test-fired the UAE’s first liquid rocket engine. This landmark achievement marks a significant step forward in strengthening the nation’s independent space capabilities.
What is a liquid rocket engine – and why it matters
Liquid rocket engines are fundamental to modern space exploration, forming the core of reusable launch vehicles that make frequent and sustainable space access possible. By mastering this technology, the UAE can now design propulsion systems crucial for orbital manoeuvring, station keeping, precise spacecraft positioning, and future lunar and Martian missions.
About the UAE’s first liquid rocket engine
The newly created engine, a 250-newton liquid rocket thruster capable of generating the thrust equivalent to lifting 25 kg on Earth, was designed and manufactured entirely in the UAE. Thrusters of this scale are widely used for small satellite propulsion and orbital manoeuvres, making them a vital component in advancing space mobility. The engine achieved combustion efficiencies of up to 94% during a rigorous testing programme. With over 50 successful firings, the team validated its design, reliability, and performance—key requirements for future in-space operations.
Dr. Najwa Aaraj, CEO of TII, said: “This engine is more than a technical success – it represents the foundation of a capability that will enable the UAE to design, test, and ultimately deploy propulsion systems for a range of future missions. By developing this expertise here in Abu Dhabi, we are ensuring that sovereign space technology becomes a reality, and that our nation’s talent is at the center of shaping that future.”
Building a sovereign space future
The liquid rocket programme, led by TII in Abu Dhabi, unites Emirati engineers with international experts to develop a strong domestic knowledge base and inspire a new generation of space innovators. The initiative is part of TII’s wider mission to establish the UAE’s in-space propulsion capabilities, focusing on scaling engine designs, introducing regenerative cooling systems, and enabling regular and independent access to space for scientific, commercial, and exploratory applications.
Dr. Elias Tsoutsanis, Chief Researcher at the Propulsion and Space Research Centre at TII, said: “Successfully firing the UAE’s first liquid rocket engine is a major step in building sovereign propulsion capability. This milestone reflects the dedication of our team and the progress of our in-space research. With local test infrastructure underway, our focus will be on scaling propulsion systems and advancing technologies that can support future orbital and deep space missions. It’s an exciting moment – and just the first step in a much larger journey.”
While initial testing was conducted at Airborne Engineering’s facilities in the UK as part of an international collaboration, plans are now in progress to build dedicated test infrastructure within the UAE. This will allow future cold-flow and hot-firing tests to be carried out locally, supporting innovation on home soil. The programme’s roadmap includes scaling propulsion to larger engines, developing cryogenic propellants, and enabling missions to deep space—underscoring Abu Dhabi’s growing role in global space exploration.