Our products
Space activities
Aerospace Propulsion Products (APP) delivers ignition systems qualified to the highest standards of the space industry. Since the mid-1990s, APP has developed and produced igniters for major European launch vehicles, including Ariane 5, Ariane 6, and Vega. In 2015, APP expanded its portfolio with the development and production of pyrotechnic parachute deployment devices. Our systems are designed to ensure safe, reliable, and repeatable engine starts for both solid and liquid rocket propulsion, as well as controlled deployment in recovery systems.
Discover the productsAPP provides critical ignition and deployment technologies for space missions, including pyrogen igniters, spark plug and torch igniters, and pyrotechnic parachute deployment devices. These systems are used in propulsion units, launch systems, and recovery mechanisms — applications where flawless activation is essential for mission success. Each solution is engineered to deliver precise, controlled performance under the most demanding operational conditions. Space activities take place in an environment where repair or intervention is impossible. Components must operate reliably after exposure to extreme mechanical, thermal, and environmental stresses — often following years of dormant storage before activation.
Pyrogen Igniters
APP’s pyrogen igniters are based on solid propellant gas generator technology. Upon activation, the igniter produces a controlled flow of hot gases and particles to reliably initiate the main propulsion system.
Pyrogen igniters are extremely reliable and are designed for single-use operation. They can be compared to a large, highly controlled match: once ignited, they deliver a powerful and precisely defined ignition output that cannot be restarted. This simplicity of function contributes to their robustness and dependable performance.
These igniters are typically used for the ignition of solid rocket motors and large liquid rocket engines, where a strong, rapid, and well-distributed ignition source is required to ensure safe and uniform combustion start-up.
APP is fully equipped to handle energetic materials safely and in compliance with the highest industry standards. The solid rocket propellant used in the pyrogen igniters is produced in-house at APP’s own facility, ensuring full process control, quality assurance, and traceability from raw material to final product.
Designed for harsh launch and space environments, APP’s pyrogen igniters combine proven energetic materials, robust mechanical design, and extensive qualification heritage to meet the highest reliability requirements of the space industry.
Pyrogen igniters are extremely reliable and are designed for single-use operation. They can be compared to a large, highly controlled match: once ignited, they deliver a powerful and precisely defined ignition output that cannot be restarted. This simplicity of function contributes to their robustness and dependable performance.
These igniters are typically used for the ignition of solid rocket motors and large liquid rocket engines, where a strong, rapid, and well-distributed ignition source is required to ensure safe and uniform combustion start-up.
APP is fully equipped to handle energetic materials safely and in compliance with the highest industry standards. The solid rocket propellant used in the pyrogen igniters is produced in-house at APP’s own facility, ensuring full process control, quality assurance, and traceability from raw material to final product.
Designed for harsh launch and space environments, APP’s pyrogen igniters combine proven energetic materials, robust mechanical design, and extensive qualification heritage to meet the highest reliability requirements of the space industry.
Spark Plug and Torch Igniters
APP’s spark plug and torch igniters are designed to provide controlled and repeatable ignition for liquid rocket engines. These systems generate a high-energy electrical discharge that initiates combustion in a pre-chamber, producing a stable ignition flame for the main engine.
Unlike pyrogen igniters, spark plug and torch igniters can be designed for multiple ignition cycles, making them suitable for applications requiring engine restart capability. Their controlled ignition sequence allows precise timing and optimized combustion initiation, which is essential for advanced propulsion systems.
Torch igniters are typically used in liquid propulsion systems where a reliable and well-defined ignition source is required to safely start the main propellant flow. The design ensures consistent flame characteristics, even under demanding pressure and temperature conditions.
APP combines expertise in high-voltage systems, combustion processes, and precision engineering to deliver igniters that meet strict space qualification standards. Each system is developed to withstand vibration, thermal cycling, and long mission durations while maintaining stable and predictable performance.
Unlike pyrogen igniters, spark plug and torch igniters can be designed for multiple ignition cycles, making them suitable for applications requiring engine restart capability. Their controlled ignition sequence allows precise timing and optimized combustion initiation, which is essential for advanced propulsion systems.
Torch igniters are typically used in liquid propulsion systems where a reliable and well-defined ignition source is required to safely start the main propellant flow. The design ensures consistent flame characteristics, even under demanding pressure and temperature conditions.
APP combines expertise in high-voltage systems, combustion processes, and precision engineering to deliver igniters that meet strict space qualification standards. Each system is developed to withstand vibration, thermal cycling, and long mission durations while maintaining stable and predictable performance.
Pyrotechnic Parachute Deployment Devices
APP’s pyrotechnic parachute deployment devices are engineered to ensure safe, rapid, and reliable deployment of parachute systems in launch and recovery missions. These devices use precisely controlled energetic charges to initiate separation, release mechanisms, or deployment sequences at critical mission phases.
Deployment events are single-point, mission-critical actions that must occur exactly as intended. APP’s devices are therefore designed for maximum reliability and consistent output, even after long-term storage and exposure to harsh environmental conditions.
The energetic components used in these systems are handled and integrated under strict safety procedures. APP’s extensive experience in pyrotechnic technologies and energetic material processing ensures full control over performance, quality, and traceability.
Designed to operate under extreme mechanical loads, vibration, and temperature variations, APP’s parachute deployment devices meet the rigorous qualification and safety standards required for space applications. Their robust design contributes directly to mission safety and successful recovery operations.
Deployment events are single-point, mission-critical actions that must occur exactly as intended. APP’s devices are therefore designed for maximum reliability and consistent output, even after long-term storage and exposure to harsh environmental conditions.
The energetic components used in these systems are handled and integrated under strict safety procedures. APP’s extensive experience in pyrotechnic technologies and energetic material processing ensures full control over performance, quality, and traceability.
Designed to operate under extreme mechanical loads, vibration, and temperature variations, APP’s parachute deployment devices meet the rigorous qualification and safety standards required for space applications. Their robust design contributes directly to mission safety and successful recovery operations.
Laser Ignition Systems
APP’s laser ignition systems provide advanced, contactless ignition for rocket propulsion applications. Using precisely controlled laser pulses, the system generates a focused energy deposition directly within the combustion chamber to initiate propellant ignition.
Unlike conventional ignition technologies, laser ignition eliminates the need for electrodes or pyrotechnic consumables inside the combustion zone. This reduces mechanical wear, minimizes contamination risks, and enables highly accurate control of ignition timing and location.
Laser ignition systems can be designed for multiple ignition cycles, making them particularly suitable for reusable and restartable propulsion systems. The technology offers enhanced flexibility in engine design and can contribute to improved combustion stability and efficiency.
APP combines expertise in optical systems, high-energy laser integration, and combustion physics to develop robust ignition solutions for demanding space environments. Each system is engineered to withstand vibration, thermal loads, and long mission durations while maintaining precise and repeatable performance.
Laser ignition represents a forward-looking technology within APP’s portfolio, supporting next-generation propulsion systems that require increased reliability, flexibility, and performance control.
Unlike conventional ignition technologies, laser ignition eliminates the need for electrodes or pyrotechnic consumables inside the combustion zone. This reduces mechanical wear, minimizes contamination risks, and enables highly accurate control of ignition timing and location.
Laser ignition systems can be designed for multiple ignition cycles, making them particularly suitable for reusable and restartable propulsion systems. The technology offers enhanced flexibility in engine design and can contribute to improved combustion stability and efficiency.
APP combines expertise in optical systems, high-energy laser integration, and combustion physics to develop robust ignition solutions for demanding space environments. Each system is engineered to withstand vibration, thermal loads, and long mission durations while maintaining precise and repeatable performance.
Laser ignition represents a forward-looking technology within APP’s portfolio, supporting next-generation propulsion systems that require increased reliability, flexibility, and performance control.