Research and Test Infrastructure

Research and Technology Test Bench P8

Develop technologies

The P8 research and technology test bench enables the testing and development of individual engine components through to propulsion drive systems, with a wide range of available media. Over the years, the functionality of the P8 test bench has been continuously expanded and today, with its three test cells, offers a comprehensive range of tests with a maximum availability of 100 test days per year.

Video: Third test cell for the P8 research and technology test bench
The German Aerospace Center (DLR), together with the French space agency (Centre national d'études spatiales; CNES) and ArianeGroup, has expanded the European research and technology test bed P8. The partners opened the new test cell P8.3 in 2021. With the expansion of the facility, DLR has created the conditions for future space propulsion systems to be developed and tested almost entirely at the Lampoldshausen site. DLR Lampoldshausen has unique expertise, infrastructure and many years of experience in this field. The interaction between research and development creates important synergies and strengthens engine expertise as an important pillar of European space transportation.
Credit:
DLR (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0)

Areas of application

High-pressure test cells for testing cryogenic space propulsion systems on a scaled-up basis
A mobile altitude simulation system simulates real flight conditions in a vacuum
Low-pressure test cell for testing turbopumps, engines and combustion chambers with cryogenic fuels
Conducting experimental tasks for doctoral theses and experiments under real conditions

Number of test positions

Testpositionen

Testzelle P8.1 & P8.2

Test cell P8.3

Facts & Figures
Firing axis	Horizontal
Test days / annually	up to 100 days with 2 to 3 hot runs per day
Highest combustion chamber pressure achieved	330 bar

Financing

The P8 research and technology test stand was built and financed in 1995 as part of a European cooperation between the partners SNECMA, ArianeGroup, CNES and DLR.