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

Students from the University of Limerick have made significant strides in space technology by designing and producing Ireland’s first additive manufactured (3D printed) liquid rocket engine, named the Lúin of Celtchar. This achievement is a collaborative effort led by the university’s student rocketry team, ULAS HiPR, in partnership with Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR).

Founded in 2022, ULAS HiPR unites students from various disciplines, including aeronautical, mechanical, software, and design engineering. The team’s primary objective is to conceive, manufacture, and launch high-powered rockets, with their latest project marking a significant milestone in Ireland’s student-led space propulsion capabilities.

ULAS HiPR has also been accepted into the esteemed Race2Space 2026 International Propulsion Competition. This recognition underscores the technical ambition of the team and reflects the collaborative efforts between Irish university students and industry partners.

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

Jay Looney, co-head of ULAS HiPR, emphasized the significance of their project, stating, “The acceptance of our project to Race2Space marks a defining moment not only for ULAS HiPR, but for Ireland’s student space community.” He further noted that the selection of the first additively manufactured liquid rocket engine in the Republic of Ireland validates the team’s technical ambitions and showcases the strength of collaboration between students and industry.

As the manufacturing process continues, the engine will return to the University of Limerick for precision machining and final assembly. This innovative approach not only demonstrates the potential of 3D printing in aerospace applications but also positions Ireland as an emerging player in the global space propulsion landscape.

The successful execution of this project could inspire future generations of engineers and scientists in Ireland, reinforcing the importance of hands-on learning and collaboration in advancing technological frontiers. With the upcoming competition, ULAS HiPR is poised to showcase its groundbreaking achievements on an international platform, marking a new chapter in the nation’s aerospace journey.