Laser ignition system for rocket engines

At APP, we are redefining the future of rocket engine ignition with our advanced Laser Ignition System (LIS) - a high-performance, low-cost and reusable alternative to traditional ignition technologies.

Laser-based ignition is internationally recognised as the most advanced solution for rocket engine ignition, offering superior performance, reduced system mass, minimal operational costs and enhanced reusability. Unlike conventional ignition technologies, laser ignition enables reliable and precise initiation over a wide range of propellant combinations, making it an attractive solution for current and future liquid propulsion systems. The Laser Ignition System (LIS) under development in this development program has been created together with SAL-Austria, in close collaboration with AGG and DLR. The system architecture consists of a laser head integrated through a dedicated lens assembly to the combustion chamber, connected via a specialised cable to the laser driver electronics. Prototype hardware has already been manufactured and successfully tested in multiple engine demonstrator campaigns, where it has proven to provide reliable, robust and repeatable ignition performance under demanding operational conditions. APP is committed to further maturing and industrialising the technology. The goal is to establish a production-ready solution suitable for high-cadence, cost-effective manufacturing, ensuring that the Laser Ignition System can serve as a future standard within liquid propulsion development and operations.