An X-ray inspection system for rocket engines is under development as part of a European Space Agency contract award to Orbex and FORCE Technology.

The inspection system will enable the two firms to carry out non-destructive, high-energy X-ray inspections of Orbex’s large-scale 3D-printed rocket engines prior to flight and is expected to become a key component of the Orbex engine testing regime. The system has already been demonstrated for non-destructive inspectionHigh-resolution automated inspection of integrated engine cooling channels for blockages and manufacturing defects. Source: Orbex of European launch propulsion systems, and the next phase of development will apply the technology to very large structures, including 3D-printed rocket engine chambers.

According to Orbex, the technology is the engineering equivalent of a medical computed tomography scanner, revealing the details of the interior of a test item without damaging it in the process.

Orbex is developing low-cost orbital launch services for small satellites and has production facilities in the U.K. and design facilities in Denmark, where consultants FORCE Technology are headquartered. Its custom-made 3D printer is the largest high-precision metal 3D printer in use in Europe, enabling Orbex to produce the world's largest monobody rocket engines.