The European Space Agency (ESA) has signed a contract with the Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute of Aviation to conduct 3-year research aimed at developing thrust regulation system for rocket engines utilizing green liquid propellants. The technology is crucial for European reusable transportation systems development, as well as lunar landers and ESA exploration missions.
The leader of the project is the Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute of Aviation. The consortium includes representatives of the Polish industry: Astronika and Jakusz SpaceTech. The development of thrust control technology is a combination of development work in the field of mechanisms and green propellants. The activities are consistent with the theme of projects implemented within the framework of ESA programmes, the European Commission and the National Centre for Research and Development.
Currently, solutions for regulated thrust engines are not available in Europe. This creates a large commercialisation potential for Polish entities, which is also in line with the objectives of the Polish Space Strategy (the ability of the Polish sector to compete effectively on the European market, as well as the development of capabilities in the area of national security and defense by space technologies.
The work will be carried out under the optional ESA – Future Launchers Preparatory Programme, which Poland joined as the result of the ESA Ministerial Council 2016 arrangements.
