Aconity3D and LEAP 71: Driving Innovation on Earth and Beyond
Meeting the Masterminds Behind AI-Powered Rocket Design
After years of fruitful collaboration, we had the chance to meet Josefine Lissner and Lin Kayser of LEAP 71 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
As the masterminds behind AI-supported rocket design, their innovative vision has been instrumental in driving engineering innovation and redefining possibilities. This meeting marked a significant moment in our partnership with a forward-thinking company that is pushing the boundaries of engineering innovation.
LEAP 71 collaborates with clients worldwide to pioneer engineering solutions that push boundaries. We are proud to partner with such an innovative and international organization. Our partnership has already achieved significant milestones, including the development of the Aerospike rocket engine, a technological marvel that represents the cutting edge of additive manufacturing and aerospace engineering.
The Aerospike Rocket Engine: A Collaborative Achievement
The Aerospike rocket engine showcases the power of collaboration across industries and expertise. Here’s how the project unfolded:
- Advanced Manufacturing: Using Laser Powder Bed Fusion technology, Aconity3D fabricated the Aerospike with CuCrZr, an advanced aerospace-grade copper alloy. This material ensures optimal performance under extreme conditions.
- Precision Preparation: Post-production cleaning was expertly handled by Solukon, while heat treatment took place at the renowned Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology (ILT). These steps were critical in ensuring the engine’s reliability and efficiency.
- Final Integration: The University of Sheffield’s Race 2 Space Team prepared the engine for testing and provided essential support during the campaign.
A Milestone: The Firing Test
On December 18, 2024, the Aerospike rocket engine was successfully fired during a rigorous four-engines-in-four-days testing campaign conducted by LEAP 71 at Airborne Engineering’s test site in Westcott, UK. This marked a significant step forward in the development of Aerospike technology, demonstrating its potential as a viable propulsion system for modern spacecraft.
Looking Ahead to 2025
The data collected from the December tests will be used to refine Noyron, LEAP 71’s innovative engine platform. With further testing planned throughout 2025, the goal is to make Aerospikes a practical and efficient option for next-generation spacecraft propulsion systems. Aconity3D is honored to contribute to this groundbreaking journey, leveraging our expertise in additive manufacturing to enable advancements in aerospace technology.
Partnership and Innovation
At Aconity3D, we believe that collaboration is the key to unlocking new possibilities. Our work with LEAP 71 exemplifies how partnerships can drive innovation, combining diverse expertise to create technologies that shape the future.
Stay tuned as we continue to support LEAP 71 in their mission to revolutionize space exploration. For more information and video materials, visit LEAP 71’s website at the following link: https://leap71.com/2024/12/23/leap-71-hot-fires-advanced-aerospike-rocket-engine-designed-by-computational-ai/.
