University of Limerick Students Launch Ireland’s First 3D-Printed Rocket Engine

The University of Limerick’s student-led rocketry team, ULAS HiPR, has achieved a significant milestone by designing and producing Ireland’s first 3D-printed liquid rocket engine, named the Lúin of Celtchar. This innovative project is a collaboration between ULAS HiPR, the University of Limerick, and Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR), marking a pioneering step in additive manufacturing within the country.

Founded in 2022, ULAS HiPR brings together students from various disciplines, including aeronautical, mechanical, software, and design engineering. The team is dedicated to the design, manufacture, and launch of high-powered rockets. Their recent acceptance into the Race2Space 2026 International Propulsion Competition underscores the project’s significance and the advancement of student-led initiatives in Ireland’s space sector.

The Lúin of Celtchar rocket engine is a high-performance system utilizing a 2 kN, water-cooled, IPA/Nitrous Oxide bi-propellant configuration. It has been entirely designed by the ULAS HiPR team and is currently being manufactured at IMR’s Advanced Manufacturing Lab located in Mullingar, Co Westmeath. This facility employs metal additive manufacturing techniques, allowing for the creation of complex internal cooling channels and rapid design iterations, features that are challenging to achieve with traditional manufacturing methods.

Once manufacturing is completed, the engine will return to the University of Limerick for precision machining and final assembly. The innovative approach taken by the ULAS HiPR team not only enhances efficiency but also represents a significant leap in the technical capabilities of student projects in the field of aerospace engineering.

Jay Looney, co-head of ULAS HiPR, expressed his enthusiasm regarding the project’s acceptance into the Race2Space competition. He stated, “The acceptance of our project to Race2Space marks a defining moment not only for ULAS HiPR but for Ireland’s student space community.” He emphasized that the selection of the first additively manufactured liquid rocket engine in the Republic of Ireland validates both the technical ambition of the student team and the strength of collaboration between Irish university students and industry partners.

This project not only showcases the innovative spirit of the University of Limerick students but also positions Ireland as an emerging player in the global space industry. As ULAS HiPR moves forward, their efforts may inspire future generations of engineers and scientists in Ireland and beyond.