The Technology Innovation Institute (TII), the applied research arm of Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), has designed, built and test-fired the UAE’s first liquid rocket engine, a breakthrough that marks a defining moment in the nation’s space journey and strengthens its sovereign technological capabilities, according to a report by WAM.
Liquid rocket engines lie at the core of modern space exploration, forming the foundation for reusable launch systems that enable consistent and sustainable access to orbit. With this achievement, the UAE now possesses the expertise to develop propulsion systems critical for orbital manoeuvring, station keeping, precision positioning, and future missions to the Moon and Mars.
The newly engineered 250-newton liquid rocket thruster — capable of generating the force needed to lift 25 kg on Earth — was fully designed and developed in the UAE. Such engines play a vital role in propelling and adjusting small satellites, underscoring their importance in advancing space mobility and in-orbit operations.
During extensive testing, the thruster demonstrated combustion efficiencies of up to 94%, with over 50 successful firings confirming its performance, reliability and consistency — key benchmarks for future in-space applications.
Dr Najwa Aaraj, CEO of TII, said: “This engine is more than a technical success – it represents the foundation of a capability that will enable the UAE to design, test and ultimately deploy propulsion systems for a range of future missions. By developing this expertise here in Abu Dhabi, we are ensuring that sovereign space technology becomes a reality, and that our nation’s talent is at the centre of shaping that future.”
TII’s liquid rocket programme is centred in Abu Dhabi and brings together Emirati engineers with international experts, building a knowledge base that will empower national talent and inspire the next generation of space innovators.
The programme advances TII’s broader mission to build UAE in-space propulsion, which includes scaling propulsion designs, developing engines with regenerative cooling and ultimately enabling independent and frequent access to space to support scientific, commercial and exploratory missions.
Dr Elias Tsoutsanis, Chief Researcher, Propulsion and Space Research Centre at TII, added: “Successfully firing the UAE’s first liquid rocket engine is a major step in building sovereign propulsion capability. This milestone reflects the dedication of our team and the progress of our in-space research. With local test infrastructure underway, our focus will be on scaling propulsion systems and advancing technologies that can support future orbital and deep space missions. It’s an exciting moment – and just the first step in a much larger journey.”
While initial testing was conducted at Airborne Engineering’s facilities in the UK as part of an international collaboration, plans are underway to establish dedicated test infrastructure in the UAE to enable future cold-flow and firing tests to take place locally and support continued innovation on home soil.
The roadmap ahead includes scaling propulsion to larger engines, moving towards cryogenic propellants and supporting deep space missions – reflecting Abu Dhabi’s determination to play a meaningful role in global space exploration.
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