US-based micro satellite company Vector Space Systems has tested the first-stage 5K-lbf engine of its Vector-R launch vehicle in Mojave, California.

The test includes a single-piece, 3D-printed injector, which was developed by Vector Space Systems in collaboration with Nasa's Science, Technology, and Mission Directorate (STMD) Flight Opportunities.

Earlier this year, Vector Space Systems received a grant from Nasa to design and test the injector.

"We are looking forward to getting one of these units into flight next year.”

During the test, the 5K-lbf engine created the highest thrust from a LOX/propylene-fuelled engine.

The test has enabled Vector Space Systems to launch its first Vector-R vehicle next year.

Nasa Marshall Space Flight Centre engineer John Peugeot said: "This latest test with Vector Space Systems is a very visible demonstration of the benefits that Flight Opportunities is generating through public-private partnerships between industry, academia and government. 

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“Our team at Marshall is already starting to incorporate the lessons from this test into the next phase of injector design using additive manufacturing, and we are looking forward to getting one of these units into flight next year.”

The Pima County board of supervisors in the US have also approved Vector Space Systems’ plan to lease land to build a rocket factory in the area.

The 25-year deal is expected to have a regional economic impact totalling $290m over the next five years.

The project is also expected to create 200 more jobs over the next three years.

To be located at Pima County Aerospace, Defense and Technology Business & Research Park, construction of the proposed centre is scheduled to begin next year.

The facility will manufacture Vector-R and Vector-H launch vehicles, which will be transported to the company’s sites in Alaska and Florida, US for subsequent orbital launches.

Image: Vector Space Systems successfully performs first stage engine test with a 3D printed injector jointly developed with Nasa. Photo: courtesy of Vector Space Systems.