Space Division
Program AETHER
The framework within which EMT designs the methalox AETHER B engine and the reusable modular SIRIO launcher — for access to space designed around reliability and hardware reuse, from low Earth orbit to the Moon.
Operations · real time
Earth–Moon orbital study
Real Earth and Moon positions at the current UTC instant, with SIRIO reference missions — from Aether-1 in low Earth orbit to Aether-5 toward the Moon.
WebGL · 1:1 clocks · reference study, not an in-flight mission
AETHER B engine
AETHER B is a LOX/LCH4 gas-generator engine in development. The design baseline has been updated; the thrust chamber assembly and injector cold-flow campaign is in progress.
- Thrust class
- TCA and injector cold-flow in progress
- Propellants
- Methalox — LOX / LCH₄
- Cycle
- Gas-generator (Block 1)
- Public baseline
- 889 kN sea level · 955 kN vacuum
- Design Isp
- 282 s sea level · 304 s vacuum
- Pc / ε
- 9,82 MPa / 12
Rounded design values, to be verified by hot-fire testing of the complete engine.
Design visualization
CAD model renderSIRIO launcher
A modular two-stage, reusable architecture. A common Core with nine AETHER B engines (1+8 layout, tolerant to the loss of one engine) is the basis of all configurations; two side boosters in cross-feed enable lunar missions; the upper stage serves satellites or, in an ogive version, the crew.
- LEO configuration
- ~19 t class to low Earth orbit
- Lunar configuration
- Trans-lunar capability (TLI) · architecture prepared for future crew qualification
- Reuse
- Propulsive return (RTLS) · target 50 flights
- Safety requirements
- Engine-out · crew abort (LAS)
System-level design values, being consolidated with real masses.
The development path
Design · components · testingFrom analysis and component testing to tests of the complete engine.
LEO flight
Updating the design and expected performance.
Operational & reuse
Operational payload and Core reuse cadence.
Uncrewed Moon
27-engine + cross-feed configuration, trans-lunar injection.
Crewed Moon
Complete-engine testing will follow component verification.
Standards & responsibility
The program takes as technical reference the applicable international standards — in particular ECSS and ISO, which EMT has not yet certified — and is conducted in compliance, which is binding, with applicable rules on industrial safety, environmental protection and export control, in the country of origin and of destination.
Philosophy
Aerospace technologies allow no shortcuts. We characterize and validate every critical subsystem before integration, with real geometries and repeatable results. Detailed vehicle design proceeds upon the verifiable passing of propulsion validation milestones.
Images are concepts for illustrative purposes. Detailed design parameters, geometries, materials and architectures of the AETHER Program are confidential intellectual property of EMT Aerospace Technologies S.r.l., communicated exclusively under Non-Disclosure Agreement.
Frequently asked questions
The most searched answersWhat is the AETHER B engine?
AETHER B is a LOX/LCH4 gas-generator engine in development. The public baseline is 889 kN at sea level and 955 kN in vacuum; these are design values, not hot-fire results.
What does 'methalox' mean?
Methalox refers to the propellant pair liquid oxygen (LOX) and liquid methane (LCH₄). It is chosen for its good balance of performance and cost, because combustion leaves fewer carbon deposits in the chamber — a condition favorable to engine reuse — and for easier handling than other propellants.
What is the SIRIO launch vehicle?
SIRIO is the launch-system architecture in development within AETHER. Its configuration is not frozen; engine count, payload capacity and mission profiles will be published after technical consolidation.
Is AETHER B reusable?
Reuse, restart and thrust modulation are design objectives. These capabilities still require demonstration through integrated hot-fire and qualification testing.
How far along is the AETHER program?
The design baseline is updated and TCA and injector cold-flow is in progress. Integrated hot-fire, qualification and flight remain later gates.
Does AETHER also aim at lunar missions?
Space and interplanetary research are a long-term direction. No validated lunar capability is claimed for SIRIO: its configuration and performance are in development.
Is EMT Aerospace Technologies registered in the NATO Codification System?
EMT Aerospace Technologies S.r.l. — NCAGE AY475. Code assigned by the Italian Ministry of Defence within the NATO Codification System. The company is registered as a service provider (type G), with a unique identifier used in international supply chains that adopt the NATO Codification System. EMT’s activities include aerospace research and development, artificial intelligence and high-performance computing.
Is EMT Aerospace Technologies registered in ESA-star?
EMT Aerospace Technologies S.r.l. — European aerospace, robotics and artificial intelligence company. Registered in ESA-star · ESA Entity Code 1000053154.