First MPGE space engine firing test: fully success
MPGE [Multi-Purpose Green Engine] is the new bi-propellant rocket engine, developed in the context of the PNRR-FC [In-Orbit Economy, In Orbit services. Line M1C2.I4]. On 24 February 2025, AVIO SpA announced that it had completed the first ignition tests of MPGE on a purpose-built test bench: the engine performed as expected and achieved a combustion efficiency higher than expected.
imagine credit: AVIO SpA
In the MPGE project, relating to the Italian Space Agency Contract [ASI] n. 2023-8-I.0, to which AVIO SpA is entrusted, Sòphia High Tech is involved in the support activity for the design, manufacturing, assembly, integration and testing of MPGE Engine ITEMs. The MPGE Engine operates with a green approach, using hydrogen peroxide and kerosene as fuel, and is designed for a wide range of in-orbit and sub-orbital logistics applications [IOS, VEGA-C, VEGA-E and Space Rider]. In particular, both the combustion chamber and the injection plate, including the injectors, of the MPGE engine were entirely realized by Sòphia High Tech.
To manufacture space parts, Selective Laser Melting [Additive Manufacturing] technology was used and qualified, complying with the advanced standards prescribed by the ECSS-Q-ST-70-80C, released by the European Space Agency [ESA]. Sophia High Tech’s metal 3D printing systems, as well as the CNC Machining systems, dedicated to the production of space parts with nickel-based material, are equipped with advanced and continuous process controls. All the team players involved, both in the development and production phases, are subject to continuous updates.
The whole manufacturing process of each mechanical part includes several phases of dimensional control and validation, and is entirely verticalized, i.e. it integrates heat treatments, de-powdering, up to mechanical finishing using CNC machining. Ad hoc production cycles have been designed, developed, tested and optimized to ensure full compliance with the tight mechanical tolerances (geometric and dimensional) present in these relevant space parts. Such know-how, combined with cutting-edge production/control systems, allows us to obtain aerospace motor components that fully comply with the prescribed technical requirements, and are therefore free from mechanical problems during bench firing tests.
Targets | Space Propulsion MPGE
![AVIO assegna a SOPHIA le attività di supporto per lo Sviluppo, la Realizzazione ed integrazione dell’Innovativo sistema di Propulsione Spaziale MPGE [Multi-Purpose Green Engine]](/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/MPGE_Engine_VEGA.jpg "MPGE_Engine_VEGA")
The project’s broad-spectrum objective is the development of a key technology aimed at increasing national capacity also in the field of space logistics issues, for the surveillance of the space environment (Space Situational Awareness) and the management of space traffic (Space Traffic Management). SÒPHIA was chosen by AVIO for the Development, Manufacturing, Assembly, Integration and Testing activities of the MPGE Engine. In particular, SÒPHIA is entirely responsible for the Production and Control of the following ITEMS:
– Thermal Control System
– Combustion Chamber
– Nozzle Extension
– Injection Section
– Welding Qualification
Program | MPGE
The Project is contextualized in the Financing of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers pursuant to the Prime Ministerial Decree of 1 March 2022 PNNR-FC.
In-Orbit Economy | In Orbit services. Linea M1C2.I4 del PNRR-FC
CUP F83D23000120005 CIG 9296180A69
