Kestrel was built around the same pintle architecture as the SpaceX Merlin engine but does not have a turbopump and is fed only by tank pressure.

According to SpaceX, an impact from orbital debris or during stage separation might dent the metal but have no meaningful effect on engine performance.

[5] Thrust vector control is provided by electro-mechanical actuators on the engine dome for pitch and yaw.

A TEA-TEB pyrophoric ignition system is used to provide restart capability on the upper stage and simplify design.

[7] Engine changes were to include tighter tolerances to improve consistency, higher Isp, and lighter weight.