New Frontier Aerospace (NFA) has announced the successful completion of a series of hot-fire tests for its innovative 3D-printed Mjölnir rocket engine. This achievement marks a significant step forward for the company’s ambitious plans in both hypersonic flight and space propulsion.
According to a press release from the company, the Mjölnir engine, named after the hammer of Thor in Norse mythology, is a compact, pump-fed engine that utilizes a full-flow staged combustion cycle. This design is highlighted for its efficiency and is fueled by liquid natural gas (LNG), which the company notes can be carbon-negative when sourced from biogenic materials, offering a sustainable option for future aerospace endeavors.
The Mjölnir engine is designed to power several key projects for New Frontier Aerospace. As stated by the company, it will propel the Pathfinder, a hypersonic Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), with its initial hovering flight anticipated in early 2026. Furthermore, the engine is slated to drive NFA’s Bifröst orbital transfer spacecraft, which is projected to embark on its first space flight by 2027. New Frontier Aerospace also mentioned that the Mjölnir engine is now available for other customers as a standalone propulsion solution.
Bill Bruner, CEO of New Frontier Aerospace, expressed his enthusiasm for the results. He conveyed that the engine’s compact design, notable efficiency, and clean fuel source position it as a significant development for both hypersonic flight and space propulsion, emphasizing its potential to advance the company’s strategic goals and create new opportunities for clients.
The development of this cutting-edge engine has received support from various governmental sources. The company indicated that initial seed funding came from National Security Innovation Capital, a component of the Defense Innovation Unit, with NASA providing funding for the sustained engine test series. These successful tests are being seen as a crucial progression for New Frontier Aerospace as it continues to redefine aerospace propulsion.
