Houston space tech company hits milestone in engine technology

A Houston company creating the next generation of space exploration technology is celebrating a new milestone for one of its technologies.

Intuitive Machines announced that its VR900 engine successfully completed a long-duration hot-fire test, earning it qualification for its IM-2 lunar mission. With that qualification, the company says its VR3500 engine, an engine designed for larger cargo landers, is also moving forward in development.

The engine technology is designed, 3D printed and tested at Intuitive Machines’ Houston facility, which opened at Spaceport Houston last year.

Steve Altemus, CEO of Intuitive Machines, said in a press release that the company’s goal was to pave the way for scalable engines for deep space as the industry moves toward lunar missions.

“This validated engine design addresses current mission demand and paves the way for our VR3500 engine for cargo delivery, such as lunar ground vehicles, cargo resupply for human spaceflight and other infrastructure deliveries,” Altemus continued. “We believe we are uniquely positioned to leverage our successful development and apply this technology to current contracts and future lunar infrastructure delivery requirements.”

Earlier this year, Intuitive Machines was one of three companies selected for a $30 million contract from NASA for the initial development phase of a rover that would allow American astronauts to traverse the surface of the moon.

Another Houston company has had success with its engine tests. In March, Venus Aerospace announced that it had successfully completed the first long-duration test of its rotary detonation rocket engine in partnership with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, or DARPA.