IREPA LASER, a key partner in the European ENLIGHTEN-ED project, recently contributed to the education of future space professionals by delivering a specialised lecture at the International Space University (ISU) in Strasbourg.
STRASBOURG, France, March 2026 – On 18 March, IREPA LASER experts Jérôme Wursthorn and Armel Bahouka delivered a two-hour lecture entitled “Manufacturing of Space Components Using Laser Technology – The Entire Lifecycle.” The session brought together around fifteen students in specialised training, along with several ISU professors, and provided a comprehensive and practical overview of the applications of laser technologies applied to the space sector.
The lecture covered the full lifecycle of space components in the space sector: design, manufacturing, qualification, and more. Industrial examples drawn from IREPA LASER’s activities demonstrated the maturity and reliability of these technologies for highly demanding applications.
Particular attention was given to the ENLIGHTEN-ED project, an ambitious European initiative funded under the Horizon Europe programme, in which IREPA LASER is actively involved. The project focuses on developing innovative manufacturing solutions for space propulsion, contributing to more efficient, cost-effective and sustainable European launch systems.
Through dedicated Q&A sessions, students gained valuable insight into the potential impact of ENLIGHTEN-ED on their own activities and projects. Participants particularly valued:
- Exposure to a range of manufacturing methodologies
- Insight into practical applications of numerical simulation in industrial contexts
- A broader perspective on the use of advanced laser technologies in space applications
The lecture was followed by a guided tour of IREPA LASER’s facilities, enabling students to explore equipment and capabilities first-hand. This provided a complement to the academic content, grounding the learning experience in real-world industrial practice.
In addition, brief interviews were conducted with participating students to capture their impressions of the lecture and visit.
This lecture demonstrates ENLIGHTEN-ED’s commitment to knowledge transfer, education and skills development, ensuring that future engineers are equipped to drive Europe’s space industry forward.
About IREPA LASER
IREPA LASER is a French company providing a link between research and industry. Its main mission is to develop efficient laser solutions for industry. IREPA is a Centre of Technology Transfer (CRT), independent, specialised in the treatment of materials by laser. A major actor for the promotion and the development of laser technology in industry that carry out feasibility studies, manufacture prototypes, industrial pre-series on request and training activities.
About ENLIGHTEN ED
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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