Japan surprises the world by testing in space an engine that uses continuous detonation with ethanol and nitrous oxide to reduce size and pave the way for lighter missions to Mars.

Written by Alisson Ficher

Published on 01/05/2026 at 17:59

Updated on 01/05/2026 at 18:00

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Japanese space propulsion technology advances with real flight test and reinforces the focus on compact and efficient engines for future planetary missions, integrating innovative solutions that can reduce mass, optimize performance, and expand possibilities in the exploration of Mars.

JAXA tested a new rotating detonation engine with liquid propellants in space, reinforcing the Japanese strategy to develop more compact, efficient propulsion systems compatible with planetary missions that require lower mass and greater structural optimization.

Conducted aboard the sounding rocket S-520-34, launched on November 14, 2024, the experiment took the DES2, the second version of the detonation system developed in partnership with Japanese universities, to space for validation in a real environment.

Inside the combustion chamber, the technology operates through a detonation wave that continuously travels inside the engine, burning the newly injected propellant and converting this dynamic reaction into thrust in a more concentrated and efficient manner.

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Space engine with ethanol and nitrous oxide gains prominence

Compared to previous tests, the main change was the replacement of gaseous propellants with liquid ethanol and liquid nitrous oxide, a choice that significantly increases the density of the stored material and improves the utilization of the available space in the tanks.

With higher density, it becomes possible to transport more propellant in smaller volumes, a decisive factor for space projects where every centimeter and every kilogram directly influence the performance, cost, and feasibility of the mission.

However, the adoption of liquid propellants brought additional challenges, as in microgravity these fluids do not behave as they do on Earth, requiring specific solutions to ensure stable and precise feeding to the combustion chamber.

To solve this problem, the team used high-pressure nitrogen to push the ethanol and nitrous oxide to the base of the tanks, ensuring that the liquids were correctly directed before injection into the system.

Once positioned, the propellants were mixed and ignited by the continuous detonation wave itself, maintaining the engine’s operation within the characteristic logic of this type of experimental architecture.

Thrust in flight validates the DES2 concept

During the mission, the rocket began the flight powered by solid fuel, a standard step in this type of launch, before transitioning to the experimental system developed by the Japanese team.

Subsequently, the DES2 came into operation and generated 438 newtons of thrust, according to data released by ISAS, demonstrating that the engine managed to function in the space environment with the new liquid feeding system.

This result indicates that the concept has surpassed the ground test phase, proving that the combustion of liquid propellants can occur in a controlled manner in real flight conditions outside Earth’s atmosphere.

Additionally, the team implemented a significant change in the combustion chamber, replacing the previous double-cylinder model with a single-cylinder configuration, which simplifies the design and reduces challenges associated with internal cooling.

According to researcher Jiro Kasahara from Nagoya University, the system still needs to evolve in aspects such as operation duration and thermal resistance, as maintaining the stability of the detonation wave for longer periods remains an important technical challenge.

Japanese strategy connects engine and Mars entry

Parallel to the engine test, the mission also transported the RATS2, an inflatable aeroshell developed to study reentry and deceleration techniques in low-density planetary atmospheres.

In JAXA’s view, these two technologies are part of the same effort to enable lighter planetary missions, combining efficient propulsion with innovative atmospheric entry systems.

In the specific case of Mars, the difficulty lies in its thin atmosphere, which reduces drag and makes the deceleration of probes and modules more complex before landing on the surface.

To address this scenario, RATS uses an inflatable structure that expands the contact area with the air, increasing drag and aiding in speed reduction during descent.

Although still in the experimental phase, the concept could eventually be adapted for small payloads, provided that advancements are made in structural strength and operational reliability.

During the S-520-34 flight, RATS2 separated as planned and transmitted data until near splashdown, but was not recovered after sustaining damage to the inflatable ring during the inflation process.

Even with this failure, essential engine data was sent directly to Earth, allowing confirmation of the system’s performance and the successful combustion of liquid propellants during the experiment.

Next advancements aim for orbital use

To accelerate the development of new technologies, JAXA uses sounding rockets as a rapid testing platform, allowing systems to be validated in the space environment before their application in more complex and higher-cost missions.

It is worth remembering that Japan had already demonstrated a flight detonation engine using gaseous propellants in 2021, which served as the basis for the current advancement with liquid fuels.

With DES2, this research line advances to a more demanding stage, bringing the technology closer to practical applications in compact and efficient space propulsion systems.

Among the next steps are the development of dedicated tanks, the extension of engine operating time, and the integration of multiple units into a single system.

The team’s goal is to eventually achieve an in-orbit demonstration, a stage considered essential for validating the use of the technology in real missions.

Although the engine is not yet ready for immediate applications in Mars missions, the test indicates that the technology is beginning to move out of a purely experimental environment and is accumulating consistent flight results.

In this context, advancements that reduce mass and simplify systems gain relevance, especially in planetary exploration projects, where every kilogram saved can directly influence the design and viability of missions.

Japan surprises the world by testing in space an engine that uses continuous detonation with ethanol and nitrous oxide to reduce size and pave the way for lighter missions to Mars.

Japanese space propulsion technology advances with real flight test and reinforces the focus on compact and efficient engines for future planetary missions, integrating innovative solutions that can reduce mass, optimize performance, and expand possibilities in the exploration of Mars.

Space engine with ethanol and nitrous oxide gains prominence

Thrust in flight validates the DES2 concept

Japanese strategy connects engine and Mars entry

Next advancements aim for orbital use

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Japan surprises the world by testing in space an engine that uses continuous detonation with ethanol and nitrous oxide to reduce size and pave the way for lighter missions to Mars.

Japanese space propulsion technology advances with real flight test and reinforces the focus on compact and efficient engines for future planetary missions, integrating innovative solutions that can reduce mass, optimize performance, and expand possibilities in the exploration of Mars.

Space engine with ethanol and nitrous oxide gains prominence

Thrust in flight validates the DES2 concept

Japanese strategy connects engine and Mars entry

Next advancements aim for orbital use

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