ENLIGHTEN Project: New Key Technologies for Future Launchers

In recent years disruptive competitors drastically changed the landscape of the launch market. In consequence, the launch market has experienced a drive toward reduced launch costs and increased reusability. To remain competitive in such a rapidly evolving market and still offer affordable access to space for Europe, new solutions enabling operational capacities by 2030 and preferably earlier for current launch systems are needed. Aim of this paper is to present ENLIGHTEN (European iNitiative for Low cost, Innovative & Green High Thrust Engine), an EC-funded project focused on one ambitious objective: developing new technologies to reduce costs of access to space, while increasing competitiveness of current and future Space Transportation Systems (STS) in Europe. The project brings together the ideas and the competences of 18 different European players, including Primes, SMEs, Startups and Research Centres. ENLIGHTEN project focuses on selected new key technologies, such as Additive Manufacturing (AM) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) applied to propulsion systems. At engine level, enabling technologies such as laser ignition systems, regulation valves, nozzle extensions and high-pressure multi-functional lines, will play a key role. In this context, both AM and AI could serve as technological enablers for future launchers, however maturation and adaptation to engine constraints is needed. In particular, on the AM side, technologies like laser metal deposition and powder-bed fusion are implemented, and on the AI side, the use of ML in predictive maintenance and anomaly detection is of paramount importance to minimise downtime and reduce maintenance cost. This paper will present the status of these new key technologies and some results achieved during the development phase, which is still ongoing. Finally, a project roadmap will be depicted to show a long-term vision in future space transportation technologies.