🚀 LiMEK-04 Methane Engine Successfully Completes Korea’s Longest 420-Second Ground Combustion Test INNOSPACE has completed the development of its core technology for the 0.4-ton-class liquid methane engine LiMEK-04, which will be applied to the kick stage of its next launch vehicle, HANBIT-Micro. The company also successfully achieved a 420-second ground combustion test, the longest in South Korea. ⏱️🔥 This achievement goes beyond simply extending combustion duration. It demonstrates that INNOSPACE has independently secured dual-propellant regenerative cooling technology, which is attracting significant attention in the global space industry, and has validated its applicability to actual launch vehicles. The dual-propellant regenerative cooling methane engine combustion chamber technology is an advanced propulsion system that utilizes both liquid methane (fuel) and liquid oxygen (oxidizer) as coolant. ❄️ This enables significantly improved cooling efficiency and stable engine operation under lower pressure conditions, contributing to launch vehicle mass reduction and improved payload efficiency. INNOSPACE will continue to accelerate the development of next-generation launch vehicles based on this technology, while expanding its applications into reusable methane engines, small satellite orbital transportation systems, and space exploration propulsion systems. 🌌 📈 LiMEK-04 Development Key Milestones ▪️ 2024.03 First ignition test success (TDM#1) ▪️ 2024.05 Combustion test success, 237 seconds achieved (TDM#2) ▪️ 2025.07 First ignition success with dual-propellant regenerative cooling (EDM#1) ▪️ 2026.05 Long-duration combustion test success, Korea’s longest at 420 seconds (EDM#3) INNOSPACE is currently conducting root cause analysis, component improvements, and process optimization following the first commercial launch mission of HANBIT-Nano. The company is also preparing for a follow-up launch within Q3 this year, pending launch authorization review. 🔗 Learn more: bit.ly/4uP0taq #MethaneEngine #RocketEngine #LaunchVehicle #KickStage #SpaceLaunch #RocketTesting #RegenCooling #SpaceTechnology

INNOSPACE reports 420-second ground firing test for LiMEK-04 methane engine technology... Read more: spaceanddefense.io/innospace… #SpaceTechnology #RocketEngine #LaunchVehicles #MethaneEngine #AerospaceEngineering #SmallSatellites #SpaceLaunch @innospacecorp

Advancing LOX/LCH4 Dual-Propellant Cooling for HANBIT-Micro INNOSPACE has successfully completed a series of combustion tests for its upgraded 4 kN-class liquid-methane kick-stage combustor for HANBIT-Micro. 🚀 Building on the 237-second long-duration ground test in May 2024, the combustor has been advanced with a Dual-Propellant Regenerative Cooling scheme. 📈 ⚙️ Unlike conventional single-propellant regenerative cooling, this approach utilizes both fuel and oxidizer as coolants, enabling: 🔹 Reduced feed pressure requirements 🔹 Lighter propellant tanks 🔹 Lower overall kick-stage mass 🔥 By preheating and vaporizing both coolants, the system also achieves: 🔹 Improved mixing efficiency 🔹 Shorter ignition delay 🔹 Enhanced combustion stability and efficiency 💡 Overcoming High Technical Barriers Most notably, the recent test validated stable regenerative cooling under low-pressure, subcritical conditions — a technically demanding regime — and mitigated the risks associated with using liquid oxygen (LOX) as a coolant. The application of a gas–gas swirl injector further demonstrated improved mixing performance. With this milestone, INNOSPACE continues to advance methane propulsion technology and enhance the maturity of the HANBIT-Micro kick-stage system. Please stay tuned for the next phase of development. 🙌 #SpaceInnovation #HANBITMicro #KickStage #MethaneEngine #RocketEngineering #SpaceTech

🔊76th International Astronautical Congress🇦🇺 Session: September 29, 2025 – October 3, 2025 Time: 9:00–18:00 (On September 29, 2025, open from 12:00–18:00 only) Location: International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney), Sydney, Australia URL: iac2025.org/ IHI has contributed to the early stages of Japan’s space development, primarily through the development of rocket engine turbopumps. Since 1995, we have recognized the advantages of liquid methane and have actively promoted research and development of LOX/LCH4 engines through joint studies with JAXA as well as our own initiatives. In 2024, we began development of a 30kN-class LOX/LCH4 upper-stage engine. At this exhibition, IHI will showcase a methane engine at our booth. We invite you to visit Booth No. 99 to explore our cutting-edge technology. #methaneengine #InternationalAstronauticalCongress

🔥Testing Continues in 2025, A New Year of Progress! The development and testing campaign for the HANBIT-Nano's upper-stage methane engine, LiMER-3, is moving forward steadily, with static fire tests of the TCA conducted under various operating conditions and adjustments. Our team has demonstrated exceptional combustion efficiency and gained valuable insights into the ablative cooling performance of the expanded nozzle, bringing us closer to delivering a reliable and highly efficient second-stage engine. ✨ What makes the ablative nozzle stand out is its cost-effectiveness—it boasts low material and manufacturing costs and doesn’t require specialized surface treatments. These advantages make it practical to produce using existing domestic technology, marking another step toward innovation and efficiency in rocket development. 🆙 HANBIT-Nano LiMER: bit.ly/429lUaM #RocketTesting #MethaneEngine #SatelliteLauncher #SpaceRocket

We are thrilled to share that our team has successfully conducted the hot-fire test of the 3-ton class thrust chamber assembly. 🔥 This test provided performance metrics to assess whether the engine operates correctly, meets design objectives, and if further optimization is needed. Stay tuned for the next round of testing in the journey of HANBIT-Nano's upper stage! 🆙 #MethaneEngine #EngineDevelopment #FutureOfSpace

First look at our 3D-printed, 3-ton thrust methane engine development model, designed for INNOSPACE's first-ever orbital launcher, HANBIT-Nano, intended for upper stage use! Performance testing is underway, and our team is working hard to further enhance this engine. Stay tuned for more updates!📷🔥 bit.ly/3An5e3E #3DPrintedEngine #MethaneEngine #SpaceTech #RocketDevelopment

Methane Engine Mach Ring The image shows the full-flow methane engine developed by Stoke Space, with a sea level thrust of 444.82 kN. #StokeSpace #MethaneEngine #RocketEngine #SpaceTechnology #AerospaceEngineering #Innovation #MachRing #SeaLevelThrust #SpaceExploration #EngineeringMarvel #SpaceTech

A #INNOSPACE testou com sucesso um novo motor movido a metano impresso em 3D, com empuxo de 0,4 toneladas. O motor suportou um teste de 237 segundos, permitindo avaliar suas capacidades. #RocketEngine #MethaneRocket #MethaneEngine #KickStage #MotorDeFoguete #MotorMovidoAMetano

INNOSPACE has successfully test-fired a 3D-printed methane engine with 0.4-ton thrust, a new kick stage engine that will play a critical role in customized launch missions. The kick stage engine sustained a long test firing of 237 seconds, allowing our engineers to evaluate the potential capabilites of new methane rocket engines.🔥 Our team will enhance the maturity of methane rocket engines to maximize the efficiency and flexibility of space missions.🌟 #RocketEngine #MethaneRocket #MethaneEngine #KickStage

#Avio secures Italian government funding for #MethaneEngine and small #LaunchVehicle prototype spacenews.com/avio-secures-i… via @SpaceNews_Inc

what a missed opportunity. I hope you're all ashamed. #methaneengine