New Frontier Aerospace has completed a series of hot-fire tests of its 3D-printed Mjölnir rocket engine, the company announced from its Kent, Washington headquarters. The tests mark progress toward an initial flight test of a hypersonic drone potentially occurring next year. The liquid natural gas-fueled engine is named after Thor’s hammer from Norse mythology.
The engine is intended to propel an uncrewed aerial system called Pathfinder for hovering tests scheduled for 2026. Pathfinder could eventually serve applications in weapons testing or suborbital point-to-point cargo transport. New Frontier also plans to market the Mjölnir engine as a standalone product to other aerospace companies.
Beyond the Pathfinder program, the engine will power New Frontier’s Bifröst orbital transfer spacecraft, planned to launch by 2027. Bifröst, another Norse mythology reference meaning the rainbow bridge connecting humans and gods, represents the company’s space-focused aspirations. The company is developing multiple applications for its propulsion technology.
“We are proud of the amazing team that built this program and thrilled with the engine’s performance during this series of hot-fire tests,” said Bill Bruner, CEO of New Frontier Aerospace. “Mjölnir’s compact design, unmatched efficiency, and clean fuel make it a game-changer for hypersonic flight and space propulsion. It is poised to power our ambitious roadmap and open new possibilities for our customers.”
The engine development has received significant government backing. NASA provided the company with two small-business grants totaling nearly $1 million in 2023 and 2024. Additional funding came from National Security Innovation Capital, part of the Pentagon’s Defense Innovation Unit, which awarded New Frontier a $1.5 million contract extension in 2023.
Source: geekwire.com