Rocket engine launched using power from plastic waste

Skyora, a rocket launch start-up based in Edinburgh, UK, has successfully tested a 3D-printed rocket engine using power from plastic waste.

“Ecosene” is the name given to this new type of fuel which the company claims is making its vehicles greener and more ecologically sound than competition.

Skyora says it can create around 600kg of kerosene from 1000kg of plastic waste, whilst also stating that its fuel results in around 45% less greenhouse gas emissions. A key benefit of Ecosene is that it can be stored in tanks for long periods of time as it doesn’t require cryogenic freezing.

Volodymyr Levykin, CEO of Skyrora said the fuel had transformative potential for the entire space sector.

The company believes the results are encouraging with its first vehicles set to fly in 2022 from the UK based launch site.