Lios are renewing its contract with the European Space Agency for the second-time. Valued at almost two million euro in co-funding, the development contract supports the deployment of Lios’ advanced acoustic material, SoundBounce, as Fairing Acoustic Protection (FAP) for space flight.
SoundBounce as a Fairing Acoustic Protection
Noise and vibration cause major problems during the launch and separation stages of space flight, damaging sensitive and expensive payloads such as satellites. SoundBounce protects these payloads while saving space, increasing the usable volume for the next generation of space exploration.
This Phase 3 contract focuses on scaling up manufacturing of the SoundBounce panels over a two-year period and running flight qualification testing for the extreme space environment.
Future Launchers Preparatory Programme
Lios has been working with ESA as part of the Future Launchers Preparatory Programme since 2021, improving lightweighting by 50% as they adapt SoundBounce to suit space conditions. The programme supports European industry in developing the technologies, systems, and partnerships needed for a modular, reusable, and commercially viable space transportation ecosystem. Lios collaborates with two of Europe’s leading space manufacturers in this project.
Lios CEO Rhona Togher explains that the acoustic materials industry is at a turning point:
“SoundBounce offers a competitive edge that legacy materials cannot match. Through this new technology we are able to solve complex noise issues for our customers in aerospace, construction, home appliances, and beyond. We are delighted to be continuing our partnership with ESA, and look forward to, one day, sending SoundBounce into space on a European launcher.”
Barry Jennings, National Delegate to ESA at Enterprise Ireland, said:
“This is a significant achievement for Lios and another positive development for Ireland’s growing presence in the European space sector. The Irish Delegation to ESA is delighted to support Lios’s continued progress through FLPP, and we wish the team well as SoundBounce moves towards its first flight on a European launcher.”
