The Exploration Company

Storm

In Development

TEC's reusable high-thrust rocket engine program, using a full-flow staged-combustion cycle on liquid oxygen and biomethane. Designed for up to 180 tonnes of sea-level thrust and intended as the propulsion foundation for a future European reusable heavy launcher (the company briefly showed a nine-engine Yrene concept in 2026, then described it as long-term). Hardware work covers turbomachinery, preburners, and additive manufacturing, with subscale tests at DLR Lampoldshausen under ESA's THRUST! framework.

Latest update Sep 18, 2026

Storm

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Current status

Publicly unveiled June 2026 at ILA Berlin. Subscale preburner tests underway; Series C funds a path through power-pack and workhorse engine tests over the next several years.

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Specifications2

Thrust
Up to 180 tonnes sea level
Cycle / propellants
Full-flow staged combustion, LOX/biomethane

Announced next steps from The Exploration Company that mention Storm.

  1. 2026-2028

    Storm subscale and power-pack tests

    Series C funds a sequence of Storm tests: subscale thrust-chamber and preburner work in the coming months, then an oxygen-rich power-pack test and a workhorse engine test over the next several years. Watch DLR Lampoldshausen and P3.2 campaigns.

  2. late 2028

    Storm prototype engine test-fire

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