Paris, 10 March 2026 – The Horizon Europe project ENLIGHTEN-ED (European iNitiative for Low-cost, Innovative & Green High-Thrust Engine – Engine Demonstrator) participated in Session #2 of the ESA Future Access to Space Club, contributing to high-level discussions on the future of European access to space and presenting progress in innovative propulsion technologies for next-generation launch systems.
The event brought together key European institutional and industrial actors to exchange views on the strategic direction of future launcher technologies.
Building on the legacy of the ENLIGHTEN project, ENLIGHTEN-ED focuses on advancing the maturation and validation of smart and cost-efficient high-thrust engine solutions. The project integrates cutting-edge technologies such as Additive Manufacturing (AM), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and innovative subsystem development, with a demonstration phase foreseen to validate these solutions in a representative testing environment.
During the session, ENLIGHTEN-ED presented its latest developments in advanced propulsion technologies aimed at strengthening Europe’s competitiveness, efficiency and sustainability in space transportation.
ENLIGHTEN-ED highlighted its contribution to:
- The integration and testing of innovative engine subsystems
- The application of advanced AM technologies to reduce cost and production lead times
- The implementation of AI-driven solutions to enhance engine monitoring, control and reliability
- The acceleration of technology readiness through engine demonstration and validation activities
The discussions reinforced the importance of coordinated European efforts to ensure competitive, autonomous and more sustainable access to space in an increasingly dynamic global market.
“Collaboration in ENLIGHTEN-ED represents an important step towards demonstrating propulsion technologies that will support the next generation of European launch systems” said Pablo Humanes, ENLIGHTEN Communication, Dissemination and Exploitation Manager at AZO – Space of Innovation.
ENLIGHTEN-ED continues to strengthen its role within the European launcher ecosystem, supporting innovation, collaboration and Europe’s long-term strategic autonomy in space.
About ENLIGHTEN
ENLIGHTEN (European iNitiative for Low cost, Innovative & Green High Thrust ENgine) Engine Demonstrator is an EC-funded project focused on one big objective: hot-fire testing new technologies to reduce costs of access to space, while increasing competitiveness of current and future Space Transportation Systems (STS) in Europe. It is led by ArianeGroup SAS, supported by a team of 15 entities across Europe, each covering a specific topic or task. enlighten-ed.eu
ENLIGHTEN ED is the continuation of the ENLIGHTEN project. project-enlighten.eu
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