EBARA Corporation (hereinafter: EBARA) has completed operational testing of its electric turbo pump for rocket engines, developed since 2022, using actual rocket propellants: liquefied natural gas (LNG), which contains a high proportion of liquid methane (LCH4), and liquid oxygen (LOX) (hereinafter: actual propellants). The testing confirmed the product operates stably.
Completion of Operational Testing for Electric Turbo Pump for Rocket Engines Using Actual Liquid
- Solving Existing System Challenges to Make Space Transportation More Accessible -
1. Background and Objectives
With the mission of “Making the connection between people and space a matter of course,” EBARA launched its space business initiatives in 2021. Since then, it has been developing an electric turbo pump (hereinafter: this development product) to supply fuel to rocket engines, aiming to contribute to establishing low-cost, highly flexible transportation methods.
The bipropellant liquid-fueled rocket, which is intended to incorporate this development product, operates by pumping fuel and oxidizer from separate tanks into the combustion chamber via turbo pumps. It generates high thrust by ejecting the resulting high-temperature, high-pressure combustion gases. This system is used worldwide.
However, the turbine-driven pumps*1 currently installed in rockets present challenges: they are high-cost, structurally complex, and difficult to operate.
In contrast, EBARA's electric turbo pump*2 employs a new method where a motor is driven by power from an onboard battery. This simplifies the engine system compared to conventional pumps and enables easy output control.
Performance testing using liquid nitrogen, which has properties similar to the actual liquid fuel, was completed in September 2024.
2. Overview
This test involved operational testing using actual liquid. The test confirmed the pump operates stably, with no abnormal vibrations, no leakage of liquefied natural gas or liquid oxygen, and the target rotational speed and planned data were successfully measured.
| Test Name | Electric Turbo Pump Actual Liquid Test |
| Purpose | Verifying performance and integrity at rated rotational speed using actual liquid |
| Test Period | June 17, 2025 – August 1, 2025 |
| Location | EBARA Futtsu District |
| Details | Measure flow rate, pressure, rotational speed, etc., to verify the electric turbo pump's performance matches design specifications during actual liquid use |
3. Future Developments
Moving forward, we will advance detailed design and testing aimed at further performance improvements, targeting practical application by 2028. Furthermore, integrating this developed product into rocket engines is expected to simplify engine systems, enhance reliability, enable precise output control, and make space transportation more accessible.
- About the EBARA Group -
The EBARA Group aims to contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by addressing material issues identified in its long-term vision and executing the medium-term management plan to increase corporate value.
Reference:
A step forward for the commercialization of EBARA's aerospace business!Successful cryogenic fluid testing of electric turbopumps for rocket engines(Company News Release dated November 8, 2024)
Learn more about EBARA's Aerospace Business
*1 A pump that uses a turbine driven by high-temperature, high-pressure gas to rotate the pump impeller.
*2 A pump that uses an electric motor as the power source to rotate the impeller.