As the global space industry continues to expand rapidly, the UAE is emerging as a serious player in advanced space technologies. In a groundbreaking development, the Technology Innovation Institute (TII)—the applied research arm of Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC)—has successfully designed, built, and test-fired the UAE’s first liquid rocket engine, marking a major milestone in the country’s sovereign space capabilities.

Liquid rocket engines are essential to modern space exploration, forming the backbone of reusable launch systems and enabling sustainable access to space. This achievement places the UAE among a select group of nations with the expertise to develop critical propulsion systems for orbital maneuvers, satellite positioning, and future lunar and Martian missions.

The 250-newton thruster, capable of generating enough force to lift 25 kilograms on Earth, was developed entirely in the UAE. It is ideally suited for small satellite propulsion and orbital adjustments—key components for enhancing space mobility. The engine achieved up to 94 percent combustion efficiency during testing, with more than 50 successful firings demonstrating its reliability.

“This engine is more than a technical success – it represents the foundation of a capability that will enable the UAE to design, test, and ultimately deploy propulsion systems for a range of future missions,” said Dr. Najwa Aaraj, CEO of TII. “By developing this expertise here in Abu Dhabi, we are ensuring that sovereign space technology becomes a reality, and that our nation’s talent is at the centre of shaping that future.”

Initial tests took place in the UK, but local infrastructure is being developed to support future testing in the UAE. “It’s an exciting moment – and just the first step in a much larger journey,” added Dr. Elias Tsoutsanis, Chief Researcher at TII’s Propulsion and Space Research Centre.