Nicolaus Copernicus Superior School

SF-1000 green rocket engine

In December 2024, SpaceForest, a suborbital launch services company from Gdynia, conducted a successful test of a new and improved version of the SF-1000 green rocket engine, a key component of the PERUN suborbital rocket system. The test, which lasted 25 seconds, provided important data that will contribute to further improvement of the technology and preparations for serial production. 

Photo: ESA 

PERUN – Polish suborbital rocket 

PERUN is the largest Polish suborbital rocket under development by SpaceForest. It measures 11 meters in length and has a diameter of 45 cm. It is equipped with a hybrid SF-1000 engine, using environmentally friendly paraffin-based fuel and nitrous oxide as an oxidizer. The rocket is designed to carry payloads weighing up to 50 kilograms to altitudes of up to 150 kilometers, allowing research in microgravity conditions. Each PERUN is expected to be capable of at least five flights thanks to a recovery system that allows controlled landings in a designated area. 

The PERUN project is being carried out in cooperation with the European Space Agency (ESA) under the Boost! The goal of this program is to develop cost-effective, environmentally friendly and universally accessible solutions to access space for scientific, commercial and testing of new technologies. Cooperation with the ESA allows strengthening capabilities in calculating the trajectory of flight, the fall zone of rockets and ensuring the safety of launches from the training grounds of the Polish Armed Forces. 

Trials at Ustka testing range 

The latest test of the SF-1000 engine took place at the Ustka firing range, where the testing process was significantly optimized thanks to procedural improvements and safety protocols. SpaceForest has expressed its thanks to the Ustka range command for the successful cooperation, which played a key role in the implementation of the project. 

According to SpaceForest’s plans, the PERUN rocket is expected to begin commercial flights as early as 2024. Achieving this goal will help strengthen Poland’s position in the space sector and create new opportunities for scientific and commercial research in microgravity. 

The successful test of the new SF-1000 engine represents another step in the development of Polish rocket technology and brings Poland closer to realizing its ambitious plans for space exploration. 

To see the SF-1000 engine test, watch the video below: 

Sources: Urania, Kosmonautyka, POLSA – Polish Space Agency / Photo: ESA 

Scroll to Top
Skip to content