bluShift Markets Bio-Derived Rocket Propulsion as Alternative to Solid Motors
BRUNSWICK, Maine — bluShift Aerospace is marketing its proprietary propulsion technology — including a non-toxic, bio-derived fuel and a patent-pending oxidizer system — to the broader market for rocket boosters as an alternative to traditional solid rocket motors.
The Maine-based company said its technology could help address a shortage of domestic propulsion capacity that is affecting defense programs, hypersonic testing and commercial aerospace development.
The propulsion technology is now being positioned for broader use in rocket booster applications. bluShift’s booster line uses a bio-derived fuel sourced from domestic supply.
The company’s propulsion platform is supported by testing conducted over the past 18 months. bluShift completed full-duration engine tests demonstrating performance sufficient to propel its suborbital research rocket, Starless Rogue, to space.
The company also completed a $1 million U.S. Air Force contract advancing its MAREVL engine as a potential next-generation replacement for legacy strap-on solid rocket boosters.
bluShift says its fuel production system requires less than $15,000 in equipment, compared with manufacturing systems for conventional solid fuels that can cost millions of dollars.
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