CNES Targets 2028 for First Hot-Fire Test of Next-Gen Rocket Engine
CNES aims to test a subscale prototype of a reusable, high-thrust rocket engine in 2028 as part of its ASTRE project, with ArianeGroup leading preliminary design work. The engine, over twice as powerful as the Vulcain 2.1, could enable Europe to develop a super-heavy launch vehicle comparable to Starship or New Glenn. However, full development is expected to take over a decade.
The French space agency CNES has set 2028 as the target for the first hot-fire test of a subscale prototype for a next-generation reusable rocket engine. The engine, part of the Advanced Staged-combustion Technologies for Reusable Engines (ASTRE) project, is designed to be more than twice as powerful as the Vulcain 2.1 used on Ariane 6. CNES President François Jacq revealed the timeline in written responses to the French National Assembly’s Economic Affairs Committee ahead of a 2026 hearing on his reappointment. ## Engine Development and Industry Involvement CNES signed a contract with ArianeGroup on 17 June 2025 to conduct preliminary design work on the engine, which could eventually power a European super-heavy launch vehicle. Jacq stated that the goal is to give Europe the capability to develop a launch system comparable to SpaceX’s Starship or Blue Origin’s New Glenn for missions requiring payloads of several tens of tonnes. However, he noted that the 2028 test would only be an early milestone in a much longer development process. "It will take more than a decade to develop such an engine and the associated test stand," Jacq wrote, emphasizing the complexity of the project. While ArianeGroup leads the effort, other companies are contributing. Sirius Space Services is working on technology maturation, and Pangea Propulsion is developing a separate preliminary design for the target engine. ## Long-Term Roadmap and Challenges Beyond the 2028 subscale test, CNES is preparing a preliminary design and development plan for the full engine. A detailed schedule will only be finalized after these initial milestones are achieved. Jacq acknowledged that the project’s success depends on future decisions and circumstances, including potential demand for super-heavy launch capabilities. The ASTRE project represents a strategic investment in Europe’s launch capabilities, positioning the continent to compete in the growing market for heavy-lift rockets. However, the timeline underscores the significant technical and logistical challenges ahead.
