Innovative Rocket Technologies Inc., better known as iRocket, has signed a cooperative research agreement with the Air Force that will allow the startup space launch company to use a government facility to test and mature its technology for reusable rockets.
The testing will occur at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) High Thrust Research Facility at Edwards AFB, Calf., which is one of only four test stands in the U.S. capable of 10 million pounds of thrust.
“Collaborating with iRocket via a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement includes use of a key facility, equipment, and AFRL expertise to enable both sides to develop, build, test and transition U.S. rocket engines at a fast pace,” Shawn Phillips, chief of the Rocket Propulsion Division at AFRL, said in a statement on Wednesday. “iRocket will have the opportunity to further advance and demonstrate their high thrust technology. AFRL is very supportive of development efforts for rapid access to support Air Force and Space Force needs for 100 percent reusable rockets.”
iRocket, which is based in New York, will use the AFRL facility to test and mature its engines and stage technology for the reusable Shockwave launch vehicle. The engine technology uses liquid oxygen and liquid methane as propellants.
The company is aiming to develop a launch vehicle with 24-hour reusability to increase responsiveness to space.
The agreement with AFRL follows a recent $1.8 million contract the company received from the U.S. Space Force to develop the reusable rocket engine, which will be used to land the first and second stages of the launch vehicle (Defense Daily
, July 5). iRocket said the funding through AFWERX will allow for a full-duration static fire test for two to three minutes to demonstrate the 35,000-pound thrust engine.
The company hopes to launch Shockwave in late 2027. The rocket is being designed for small and medium-sized payloads.