U.S.-based aerospace company New Frontier Aerospace (NFA) has completed a series of successful hot fire tests of its 3D-printed rocket engine, Mjölnir. According to the company, the engine operates on a full-flow staged combustion cycle, a design known for its high efficiency when using liquid propellants. Fueled by liquefied natural gas (LNG), Mjölnir is reportedly carbon-negative when sourced from biogenic materials, making it a potentially cleaner option for future aerospace missions.
Manufactured entirely through additive processes, the engine is designed for deployment in reusable launch systems, hypersonic vehicles, and orbital transfer platforms. Thanks to its compact architecture and choice of propellant, NFA expects easier integration into vertical takeoff and landing systems. The test campaign received support from NASA as well as from the U.S. Department of Defense’s National Security Innovation Capital initiative.
In operational use, Mjölnir is slated to power NFA’s Pathfinder system—a hypersonic, unmanned aerial vehicle with vertical launch and landing capabilities. A further application is planned for the Bifröst orbital transfer vehicle, scheduled for a first spaceflight in 2027. NFA also offers Mjölnir as a standalone propulsion product for commercial customers.
“We are proud of the amazing team that built this program and thrilled with the engine’s performance during this series of hot fire tests,” said Bill Bruner, CEO of New Frontier Aerospace. “Mjölnir’s compact design, unmatched efficiency, and clean fuel make it a game-changer for hypersonic flight and space propulsion. It is poised to power our ambitious roadmap and open new possibilities for our customers.”
According to NFA, the combination of 3D printing, an advanced combustion architecture, and clean propellant positions Mjölnir as a viable solution for demanding next-generation aerospace applications.
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