Author Topic: BluShift Aerospace information (Read 32379 times)

C_B_Hubbs · « **on:** 07/20/2021 12:08 am »

There is a new launch company I have been following for several years now called "BluShift Aerospace". They are based in Brunswick, Maine, and intend to create a small spaceport in the state to launch their own orbital and suborbital rockets to space. They are developing a family of launch vehicles that will use a hybrid engine design called "Modular Adaptable Rocket Engine for Vehicle Launch" (MAREVL) that will burn a bio-derived solid fuel and liquid oxidizer as bipropellants. They plan on recovering and reusing parts of their launch vehicles. They will be operating in a similar area of the market as Rocket Lab, Astra, Relativity, Firefly, etc., with dedicated rides to space for small satellites.

They were founded in 2014, and by the end of 2020 they had completed 154+ static fires of their engines. They completed their first suborbital launch on 31 January 2021 with a rocket called "Stardust 1". They have several larger suborbital rockets in development: "Stardust 2", "Starless Rogue Beta", "Starless Rogue". They are targeting the first launch of their orbital rocket "Red Dwarf" by 2024. They will be launching from the southeastern coast of Maine on polar trajectories that avoid the east coast of the US while allowing for slightly retrograde sun-synchronous orbits. They are considering a secondary launch site at Cape Canaveral at some point in the future as well, for lower-inclination orbits.

I discovered the company around 2017 while just reading about new entries into the launching business. I first brought BluShift to the NSF community's attention in the Discord server last year, and I remember seeing Chris B and some others picking up the news articles about them and sharing on social media.

I began communicating directly with the folks at BluShift in 2020 and met some of them in person recently while I was in Maine. I plan on travelling to their facilities/launches in the future and would like to contribute information I gather about their development to NSF. They did say they are seeking exposure within the online space community at-large. I just wanted to start a thread here on the forum to build a following and discussions here at NSF, and provide updates as the company progresses.

Their website with more information is https://blushiftaerospace.com. Here is the Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BluShift_Aerospace

trimeta · « **Reply #1 on:** 07/20/2021 03:06 pm »

A fairly recent company profile discussing their orbital plans: https://mainestartupsinsider.com/blushift-aerospace-crowdfunding/

Also, my notes say that the oxidizer for MAREVL is nitrous oxide. I can't find where I got that from, but the page for Stardust does specifically call out the oxidizer as a "non-cryogenic pressurized liquid," so I think that's consistent.

C_B_Hubbs · « **Reply #2 on:** 07/20/2021 05:49 pm »

Yes, I can confirm via direct source, nitrous oxide N₂O is their oxidizer. Their biofuel is proprietary and secret. They have said however that they are looking into other uses for their fuel, and they are continuing to develop other mixtures of biofuel to potentially be used on future vehicles.

They also have many videos about their plans, tests, and updates on their YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/bluShiftAerospace.

bluShift Aerospace · « **Reply #3 on:** 07/21/2021 02:03 pm »

Thanks C_B_Hubbs for starting this thread! Spot on all points.

Happy to answer any questions here down the road!

C_B_Hubbs · « **Reply #4 on:** 09/16/2021 11:28 pm »

BluShift has completed the first funding/investment round with over $800k raised. They are now focusing on narrowing down their coastal launch site (likely a near-coast island in Washington County) and scaling up production of their full MAREVL engine for the suborbital Starless Rogue launch vehicles.

They are also planning a full scale test firing of the MAREVL engine before the end of the year.

Wefunder investment site with updates: https://wefunder.com/blushiftaerospace/updates
Recent article from "Spectrum News": https://spectrumlocalnews.com/me/maine/news/2021/09/13/brunswick-rocket-company-scouts-new-launch-sites?cid=id-app15_m-share_s-web_cmp-app_launch_august2020_c-producer_posts_po-organic

russianhalo117 · « **Reply #5 on:** 02/27/2022 11:30 pm »

Since I can't find the other thread here is today's attempt and tomorrow's attempt 2 livestream for a new hybrid motor:
Attempt 1 abort/scrub:

Attempt 2:

Conexion Espacial · « **Reply #6 on:** 03/01/2022 01:08 am »

Static fire test was expected at 02:00 UTC but the attempt was aborted.

trimeta · « **Reply #7 on:** 03/01/2022 01:49 am »

Quote from: Conexion Espacial on 03/01/2022 01:08 am

Static fire test was expected at 02:00 UTC but the attempt was aborted.

An attempt was made at around 2:45 UTC, but the igniter...didn't, so it just sprayed some nitrous oxide through the hybrid motor with no effect.

Gliderflyer · « **Reply #8 on:** 03/01/2022 02:03 am »

I asked in the livestream chat, and apparently they use an ethanol (and I assume N2O) spark torch igniter (it probably has to be a fairly large torch igniter to get the whole grain going). Somewhat unusual as most hybrids either use a pyro igniter or large amounts of TEA. Also an interesting choice of igniter fuel, there are much easier options to use rather than ethanol.

Spark torch igniters can be super reliable if you design them correctly and get them dialed in, so hopefully they can get it working for the next test.

russianhalo117 · « **Reply #9 on:** 03/01/2022 02:10 am »

Quote from: Gliderflyer on 03/01/2022 02:03 am

I asked in the livestream chat, and apparently they use an ethanol (and I assume N2O) spark torch igniter (it probably has to be a fairly large torch igniter to get the whole grain going). Somewhat unusual as most hybrids either use a pyro igniter or large amounts of TEA. Also an interesting choice of igniter fuel, there are much easier options to use rather than ethanol.

Spark torch igniters can be super reliable if you design them correctly and get them dialed in, so hopefully they can get it working for the next test.

The current setup very much looks to be just for the early motor tests.

Conexion Espacial · « **Reply #10 on:** 03/02/2022 03:38 am »

BluShift Aerospace completed static fire of MAREVL 2.0 engine.

Conexion Espacial · « **Reply #11 on:** 03/03/2022 07:54 pm »

Other images of the static fire.

Conexion Espacial · « **Reply #12 on:** 06/10/2022 09:13 pm »

bluShift Aerospace - MAREVL 2.0 - Static Fire Test

EDIT: We do not know if the static fire test was performed, as the transmission was cut seconds before.

Quote

bluShift Aerospace test their full-scale Modular Adaptable Rocket Engine for Vehicle Launch (MAREVL 2.0), a novel hybrid rocket engine that burns non-toxic, carbon-neutral, bio-derived solid fuel.

The purpose of this test is to achieve ignition and stable flow throughout the engine, and to achieve full power for five seconds. Future tests will feature full-power, full-duration burns of approximately 90 seconds.

Following a series of these static fire tests, MAREVL 2.0 will power the Starless Rogue launch vehicle in suborbital flight in 2023.

etudiant · « **Reply #13 on:** 06/10/2022 09:46 pm »

The challenge in hybrids is to maintain the structural integrity of the solid fuel once about 80% has been consumed.
If the combustion is a little uneven, big chunks of unburned fuel can get ejected, which ruins the mass fraction of the motor.
Is there any indication that BlueShift has solved this problem?

C_B_Hubbs · « **Reply #14 on:** 06/24/2022 07:58 pm »

BluShift is preparing for a full power test of their full scale MAREVL 2.0 hybrid engine, scheduled for 13:30 ET on 29 June.
Here is the livestream link they have:

Conexion Espacial · « **Reply #15 on:** 06/29/2022 06:19 pm »

Static Fire!

Conexion Espacial · « **Reply #16 on:** 06/29/2022 06:26 pm »

bluShift Aerospace performed a five-second static fire of its MAREVL 2.0 engine a few moments ago, which is expected to power the Starless Rogue rocket on a suborbital flight in 2023.https://twitter.com/conexionspacial/status/1542212740990832642

Conexion Espacial · « **Reply #17 on:** 07/01/2022 01:16 pm »

Conexion Espacial · « **Reply #18 on:** 09/01/2022 09:39 pm »

BluShift Aerospace completed another static test firing of its MAREVL 2.0 engine.

Conexion Espacial · « **Reply #19 on:** 09/03/2022 04:10 am »

Conexion Espacial · « **Reply #20 on:** 09/22/2022 08:26 pm »

A new static fire test is expected

C_B_Hubbs · « **Reply #21 on:** 10/06/2022 06:56 pm »

BluShift announces new customer launch partnership with Northern Lights Space Exploration for future commercial launches.
https://wefunder.com/updates/158627-new-customer-announcement-webinar

Teoak112 · « **Reply #22 on:** 06/26/2024 11:05 pm »

The company has completed a full duration engine burn (60 seconds) they say they will soon be on their way to space. And yes, they will do a livestream

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C8sXAAGRZDa/?igsh=MWd6cXRkZGk5ODV6cw==

Teoak112 · « **Reply #23 on:** 09/06/2024 08:23 pm »

The company is preparing for another engine test.

https://www.youtube.com/live/goJ0QHEbefI?si=FoshLU-IJvDPowvc

catdlr · « **Reply #24 on:** 10/14/2024 10:57 pm »

here it is:

Rocket Engine Hot Fire Test by bluShift Aerospace - Flight-Duration 60sec Test

Quote

Oct 14, 2024
We just achieved a major milestone at bluShift with our longest hot fire engine test to date—lasting a full 60 seconds!

Our eco-friendly, biofuel-powered engine roared to life for the full test duration, demonstrating the power and reliability that will soon take Starless Rogue into space. This engine is the heart of our mission to make space access greener and more accessible for small satellite companies.

🔧 Test Highlights:

60-second engine burn—our longest yet!
Demonstrating flight-duration capabilities for future launches
A closer look at our eco-friendly propulsion technology

catdlr · « **Reply #25 on:** 10/28/2024 07:34 pm »

Rocket Engine Hot Fire Test by bluShift Aerospace - Full Duration Burn Oct 24, 2024

Quote

Oct 28, 2024 #bluShiftAerospace #HotFireTest #RocketEngine
In our latest engine test, MAREVL hit new levels of performance! Watch the highlights as our hybrid rocket engine reaches a cleaner, more stable burn and achieves an impressive 10-15% increase in thrust compared to our previous test.

This footage captures the intensity and excitement of our team’s hard work toward creating more sustainable propulsion systems for the space industry. Join us as we continue pushing the boundaries of engineering and innovation!

catdlr · « **Reply #26 on:** 04/04/2025 10:00 pm »

Punch It: bluShift Aerospace Engine Test Live Stream

Quote

Started streaming 27 minutes ago #SpaceTech #bluShiftAerospace #HotFireTest
We’re back on the test stand!

Join us live as bluShift Aerospace conducts our next hot fire engine test — codename: "Punch It." Inspired by that classic moment of throttling into hyperspace, this test is another step forward in proving out our hybrid propulsion system designed for reliable, throttleable access to space.

Expect fire, rumble, and commentary the whole way through from CEO Sascha Deri.

📍 Location: bluShift HQ
📅 Date: Friday, April 4th
⏱️ Livestream begins: 5:30pm Eastern

catdlr · « **Reply #27 on:** 04/09/2025 07:45 pm »

“Punch It” MAREVL Full-Duration Engine Test 4.4.25

Quote

#bluShiftAerospace #HybridRocket #EngineTest
We’re thrilled to share high-definition footage of our latest MAREVL engine hot fire test — a full 60-second burn, demonstrating continued progress on our Modular Adaptable Rocket Engine for Vehicle Launch (MAREVL) system.

This successful test maintained thrust levels comparable to our previous run while showcasing a critical engineering improvement: the removal of one instability mode, bringing us a step closer to flight-ready performance.

MAREVL is designed for storability, modularity, and high reliability — all fueled by our nontoxic hybrid propellants, aligning with our mission for mission-ready, efficient space access.

AndrewM · « **Reply #28 on:** 09/24/2025 12:43 pm »

A full-duration 60s burn was conducted on May 14th but it looks like bluShift is pivoting from launch to a hypersonic test bed (like HASTE) or missile interceptor for Golden Dome.

[May 16]

Quote

We’re thrilled to share high-definition footage of our latest MAREVL engine hot fire test — a full 60-second burn, demonstrating continued progress on our Modular Adaptable Rocket Engine for Vehicle Launch (MAREVL) system.

MAREVL is designed for storability, modularity, and high reliability — all fueled by our nontoxic hybrid propellants, aligning with our mission for mission-ready, efficient space access.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and follow our journey as we redefine what’s possible in propulsion tech — right here in Maine.

bluShift Aerospace Pivots After Latest Test [May 16]

Quote

While bluShift is still parsing the results, early indications show that the company throttled its engine and hit thrust levels that would launch a suborbital rocket, according to CEO Sascha Deri.

The test marks the end of a $1.1M US Air Force TACFI contract, which funded bluShift’s efforts to explore how its propulsion tech could be used as boosters for medium-lift launch vehicles.

Quote

In the near term, bluShift is in talks with a potential commercial partner in the Northeast US to provide low-cost boosters for hypersonic tests at Mach 5 speeds.

Longer-term, the company wants to support the US government’s new requests. It envisions repurposing its boosters for on-orbit missile intercept capabilities as part of the Golden Dome architecture, or miniaturizing its engines for on-orbit propulsion.