The rocket could make it cheaper and easier to put satellites into orbit

A “self-eating” rocket engine that could deliver small satellites into orbit and ultimately transform the economy of space is being developed by scientists in Glasgow.

Engineering specialists have built, fired and throttled up a prototype engine fuelled by a rod which would be consumed within the structure and, critically, lessen the weight.

If there is no need for heavy and expensive tanks to carry fuel, it is hoped that firing satellites into space in this way will become far cheaper and more efficient. It will also avoiding adding to the growing problem of space junk cluttering up the Earth’s orbit.

Researchers at the University of Glasgow and Oles Honchar Dnipro National University in Ukraine have successfully tested the engine in laboratories. They hope to secure