The LR-33 AMBER 2K sub-orbital rocket blasted off from a base in Norway on Wednesday following four successful test flights in Poland. The craft, created by leading Polish space R&D player Łukasiewicz – Institute of Aviation, was flown to test its innovative propulsion system, the first in the world based on a 98% concentration of hydrogen peroxide. The institute’s ultimate goal from the project is to introduce new technologies to the international space market. They also intend to “prove to the world that sustainable, ecological transport is possible in space,” according to the institute’s director, Dr. Eng. Paweł Stężycki.

POLSA said the rocket, which can reach speeds of up to 1.4 km/s, had reached its planned height above the Earth and that “the date July 3, 2024, will go down in the history of Polish achievements in the development of space technology.” The agency added that the test flight’s technical details would be made public in the coming days.

In addition to its groundbreaking propulsion system and hybrid motor, the rocket is also equipped with other new technologies including its onboard computer, all of which was designed by the Łukasiewicz Institute in a project supported by POLSA.

POLSA said on its website that following testing, the system may ultimately be able to carry small payloads to the so-called ‘Kármán Line’ at the edge of space.

POLSA Vice President Dr Michał Wierciński was quoted on the agency’s website as saying that test flights of the AMBER 2K rocket are “of particular importance for the development of rocket technologies in Poland.”

“The competences and experience of Polish engineers in space transportation systems design are now the starting point allowing not only participation in large space rocket development programs but also involvement in the implementation of projects for the needs of the Polish Armed Forces,” he added.

The successful flight also paves the way for more ambitious space projects, the Łukasiewicz Institute director explained.

“The planned tests in the space environment are an important element of building Polish engineering competences and the development of Polish space technologies,” Dr Stężycki said. “Especially since the ILR-33 BURSZTYN [AMBER] 2K is also a key milestone for the development of advanced technologies for orbital launch vehicles, which are currently only available in a few countries in Europe.”

Sub-orbital spaceflight refers to when a spacecraft reaches outer space but returns to Earth before completing a full orbit.