The ENLIGHTEN project is strengthening Europe’s independent access to space by developing a sustainable demonstrator for liquid hydrogen engines. To this end, SAL is developing a cost-effective fiber-optic multiplex laser ignition system that supplies multiple ignition points via a single laser source and will be tested under demanding engine conditions up to maturity level 5.
Project goals
Design a fiber-optic multiplexing system for distributing laser ignition to multiple engine points
Reduce igniter cost per engine, especially for multi-engine and reusable configurations
Ensure reliable operation of the laser ignition system under extreme engine conditions
Address high peak-power laser transmission challenges near component damage thresholds
Build and validate prototypes of the multiplexed ignition system
Test the system in a representative engine environment to achieve Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme under grant agreement No 101082326 Duration: November 2022 – October 2025
This project supports the following UN Sustainability Goals
Our Science & Stories newsletter provides the latest news, bietet aktuelle Neuigkeiten, Forschungshighlights und spannende Einblicke von Silicon Austria Labs – direkt ins Postfach.