Development Roadmap

The VTX Project

From Concept to Flight: Our Structured Journey to Belgium's First VTOL Rocket Hopper

Scroll to explore
Development Timeline

Project Phases

Our structured approach to developing Belgium's first VTOL rocket hopper VTX-1

0

Phase 0: Team Formation & VTX-E Demo Vehicle

Academic year 2025-2026

● Current Phase
Goal: Establish the foundation of VTOL Rocketry BE and complete a small electric hover demonstrator (VTX-E) as proof of concept.
Milestone: Working autonomous VTX-E electric hopper, public identity and defined recruitment and onboarding plan.
1

Phase 1: Team Onboarding & Engine System Development

September 2026 - October 2026

Goal: Fully onboard all functions and initiate design of the VTX-Core liquid engine and support systems.
Milestone: Engine and test stand designs complete, all functions operational.
2

Phase 2: Fabrication & Bench Testing

October 2026 - January 2027

Goal: Manufacture and validate the first VTX-Core engine and feed system, start PCB designs and control software.
Milestone: Cold-flow and electrical subsystem tests completed, engine ready for hot-fire.
3

Phase 3: Static Hot-Fire & Subsystem Integration

January 2027 - February 2027

Goal: Perform first static hot-fire of VTX-Core and integrate all vehicle subsystems into a working prototype environment.
Milestone: Successful hot-fire with full data acquisition and engine performance validation.
4

Phase 4: Vehicle Assembly & Dry Integration

February 2027 - March 2027

Goal: Assemble the complete VTX-1 vehicle and validate all subsystem interfaces in a static configuration.
Milestone: Fully assembled VTX-1 with all subsystems connected and verified.
5

Phase 5: Tethered Flight Campaign

March 2027 - April 2027

Goal: Conduct a safe series of tethered flight tests to validate thrust vector control, avionics, and safety systems.
Milestone: Sustained, stable tethered hover (>10 seconds).
6

Phase 6: Free-Flight Hop Demonstration

April 2027 - June 2027

Goal: Achieve first untethered vertical takeoff, hover, and landing with the VTX-1.
Milestone: First successful autonomous free-flight hop and recovery of the VTX-1 vehicle.
VTX Platform

VTX Series Overview

VTX-E

In Development

Electric Test Vehicle

Small electric hover demonstrator for proof of concept and control algorithm development.

VTX-1

Design Phase

First Prototype

Liquid-fueled VTOL rocket hopper powered by VTX-Core engine for autonomous flight demonstrations.

VTX-2

Conceptual Design

Second prototype

Perform a controlled ascent, shut down the engine at altitude, enter a stable free-fall phase, and execute a reliable mid-air engine relight followed by a propulsive landing.