38. The Rocket Engine

Earlier this year, Blue Ghost became the first commercial lunar lander to touch down on the moon. Crucial to that mission’s success was its engine – a rocket designed and built in the Buckinghamshire countryside. Number 38 on our list of the greatest items we make in Britain is The Rocket Engine. At a former military base, Dr Ian Coxhill, chief engineer at Nammo UK, shows us around the workshops where propulsion systems are made for space agencies and commercial operators. Ian demonstrates how to recreate the conditions of space at ground level, reflects on the art of engineering, and offers evidence to suggest robots aren’t going to replace humans yet. Plus, we hear the roar of a rocket engine as one is put through its paces at the test facility. Say hello on Instagram @thefactorynextdoor The Factory Next Door is supported by AVEVA, a leader in industrial intelligence.  Sign up to their bi-weekly newsletter about manufacturing here: www.aveva.com/factory Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.