Project

ENLIGHTEN

Reusability & Artificial Intelligence

The aim of the ENLIGHTEN project is to combine expertise from the space industry, research institutes and start-ups in order to accelerate the development and introduction of technologies for reusable engines and bring them to a technology readiness level (TRL) of six.

European INitiative for Low cost, Innovative & Green High Thrust Engine (ENLIGHTEN)

 

Duration

01.11.2022 – 31.10.2025

Field of applications

  • Tests with representative flight hardware components in order to be able to ignite several combustion chambers with just one ignition system in the future
  • Integration of a health monitoring system as a key function of the next generation of reusable launch vehicles

Funding

Horizon Europe innovation funding program with around 1 million euros for the DLR Institute of Space Propulsion

Project Leader

ArianeGroup

Website

Home - Enlighten (project-enlighten.eu)

The focus of the "Laser ignition" topic area is the further development and thus the increase of the TRL of fiber-based laser ignition to level six. Tests are being carried out with representative flight hardware components on the M3.1 test bench and the P8 research and development test bench in order to be able to ignite several combustion chambers with just one ignition system in the future. The so-called "Multiplexed Laser Ignition System" (MLIS) is a key element for the new generation of reusable engines with several identical liquid engines, each of which can be ignited several times and independently of each other using this ignition technology.

The aim of the "Artificial Intelligence" topic area is to integrate a health monitoring system as a key function of the next generation of reusable launch vehicles. Autonomous fault detection strategies based on external sensor signals for propulsion systems are being developed and tested.

In the third topic area, DLR engineers are analyzing a possible integration of the engine demonstrator for the P5 test stand on the DLR site in Lampoldshausen.

News

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Research and test infrastructure

Research and Test Infrastructure

Technical Center M3

The M3 Technical Center investigates the basic processes in rocket combustion chambers, in particular fuel preparation, injection, ignition and combustion of rocket propellants, and develops rocket combustion chamber technologies.

Research and Test Infrastructure

Research and Technology Test Bench P8

The P8 research and technology test bench enables the testing and development of individual engine components through to entire propulsion systems with a wide range of available media.

Research and Test Infrastructure

Test Bench P5

The main stage engines for Ariane 5 have been tested and qualified on the P5 test stand. This includes the modified Vulcain 2.1 engine, which is used in the new Ariane 6 launcher.

Contact

Prof. Dr. Günther Waxenegger-Wilfing

Group Leader
German Aerospace Center (DLR)
Institute of Space Propulsion
Rocket Propulsion Systems
Im Langen Grund, 74239 Hardthausen
Germany

Dr. Michael Börner

Group Leader
German Aerospace Center (DLR)
Institute of Space Propulsion
Rocket Propulsion Technology
Im Langen Grund, 74239 Hardthausen
Germany