Everest Engine: India's Private 800 kN Rocket Engine

 UPSC Science & Technology

Why in News?

Bengaluru-based Astrobase Space Technologies unveiled the Everest engine in August 2026.

Key Facts

  • Developer: Astrobase Space Technologies

  • Location: Bengaluru

  • Type: Full-Flow Staged Combustion (FFSC) rocket engine

  • Thrust: About 800 kN

  • Propellant:

    • Liquid oxygen (LOX)

    • Liquid methane

  • Propellant combination → Methalox

  • Intended for reusable orbital launch vehicles.

  • Represents an important development in India's growing private space sector.

Why FFSC Matters

In a full-flow staged-combustion cycle, propellant-rich gases are used to drive turbomachinery before entering the main combustion chamber, allowing potentially high efficiency and performance.

Key Pointers

  • Everest → Astrobase Space Technologies

  • Thrust → 800 kN

  • Cycle → FFSC

  • Fuel → Methane

  • Oxidiser → Liquid oxygen

  • Sector → Private space industry

  • Significance → Reusable launch technology.