Sirius Space, a French startup in the New Space industry, has successfully tested the ignition of its STAR-1 rocket engine. This propulsion system uses liquid methane and oxygen, a combination gaining popularity for its efficiency and potential in reusable rocket engines. The tests took place at Airborne Engineering’s test facility in the UK during the summer of 2026 and mark a major step toward the company’s goal of launching its first rocket by 2028. The success of these tests aligns with the company’s technical roadmap and sets the stage for more trials, with a key review expected from CNES (National Center for Space Studies) by year’s end. Sirius Space specializes in building small, reusable launchers designed to deploy satellites under one ton into orbit. It differentiates itself from other European startups like MaiaSpace and Isar Aerospace by focusing on an intermediate performance range and leveraging advanced manufacturing techniques. The company has acquired modern French factories and uses 3D printing to speed up production and maintain control over the manufacturing process. The STAR-1 engine, in particular, benefits from 3D printing, which allows for rapid production of complex parts and faster iteration during development. The STAR-1 engine will power three reusable launchers in Sirius Space’s SIRIUS range—SIRIUS 1, SIRIUS 13, and SIRIUS 15—each capable of carrying payloads under 1,100 kg to low Earth orbit. According to CEO Antoine Fourcade, the successful ignition of STAR-1 is a critical milestone, not an end in itself, but the beginning of a rigorous qualification phase. This phase involves extensive testing to ensure the engine meets all performance and safety requirements before the first flight in 2028. Before moving to the Vernon center operated by ArianeGroup, Sirius Space plans additional tests at Airborne Engineering to push the engine to its full thrust capacity and validate all its systems by the end of the year. This is a prerequisite for CNES milestone 1, which will mark the transition to the qualification phase. In March 2026, the company demonstrated the power of additive manufacturing by producing four combustion chambers in just three weeks, a pace uncommon in Europe. Sirius Space has also been granted access to the former Diamond launch pad in French Guiana by CNES and has grown to over 300 employees across four French sites. Its long-term aim is to achieve its inaugural flight in 2028 and contribute to Europe’s efforts to secure independent access to space.