Avio and Italian Space Agency, con il coordinamento di ESA European Space Agency, have developed in Turin the first sustainable engine for the aerospace industry that runs on liquid oxygen and methane. The first launch with this type of equipment, the Avio's M10 engine, will reach space in 2026.
This project costs € 60 million and has already passed the first two tests very well. The three main components of the engine were built in Piedmont: two turbopumps, one using liquid oxygen and the other liquid methane, and a regulating valve. Also participating in the project were the Aerospace District and the Politecnico di Torino.
The PNRR, specifically the funds reserved for the space economy, will provide the project with a further € 340 million, which will be divided into two activities under the control of the ESA aimed at the realisation of low environmental impact launches based on liquid propulsion:
- € 217.5 mln: development by 2026 of a new launcher for light payloads with reduced environmental impact, powered by liquid oxygen and methane;
- € 120 mln: development and ground qualification tests by 2026 of a green engine, powered by liquid oxygen and methane, for reduced environmental impact.
Christophe Dumaz, Avio's Program Director, commented: "We worked in great harmony with our colleagues in Colleferro, collaborating with the technological excellence of Piedmont, the Turin Aerospace District and Turin Polytechnic. A team effort that has produced an extraordinary result".
Fulvia Quagliotti, President of the Piedmont Aerospace District, added: "The Piedmont Aerospace District is closely following the development of the project and the significant economic and employment spin-off for the region".
