Kronos
A proposed reusable methane engine for heavy and super-heavy rockets that Pangea is designing under an ESA contract. Pangea says it would be Europe's first full-flow staged-combustion engine.
Why it matters
ESA picked Pangea as the only company to do preparatory work under its Very High Thrust engine initiative, which looks at engines for future European heavy and super-heavy rockets.
How the technology works
Kronos is planned as a reusable full-flow staged-combustion engine burning methane and liquid oxygen. European Spaceflight reported a 2 MN design target in 2024; Pangea's site lists thrust as still in development.
It is a design study, not yet hardware in test.
Sources
Updated Oct 22, 2026 · How we source facts · Suggest a correction