Lios wins place at premier Space event - IAC, Dubai 2021
Lios Group
Lios wins at the European Space Agency (ESA) Global Space Markets Challenge. ESA promotes and supports SMEs working in the space industry to expand into international markets through their Global Space Markets Challenge. This competitive award saw space-related SMEs across Europe compete to show their potential for international growth.
Based in Dublin, Lios has worked with ESA since 2019 through the Future Launchers Preparatory Programme – with their acoustic metamaterial technology, SoundBounce, which works to improve the acoustic environment in the launch vehicle fairing. Lios is reducing the noise and vibrations within the rocket, – using their innovative material, which is high performance, thin, and non-toxic, – enabling an increase in the size and mass of satellites launched by ESA.
Current acoustic and vibration materials in launch vehicles are thick and heavy to absorb the high levels of low frequency noise generated at the launch and separation flight stages. Critically, this reduces space in the cargo section of the launch vehicle, limiting the development of future satellites. There is also a risk the vibrations will damage the delicate instrumentation before it reaches its final destination, wasting years of work and money.
SoundBounce can mitigate the effects of this harsh environment and protect the sensitive payload while reducing mass and cost. ESA is keeping Europe at the cutting edge of new developments in space by collaborating with a broad network of companies all across the continent.
On receipt of the award Rhona Togher, CEO of Lios, said “We are delighted to win second place in the upstream category at the Global Space Markets Challenge. As we increase our presence in the Japanese market, this prize boosts our profile and gives a clear message of support for our business by ESA. The award includes mentorship, which will be invaluable as we grow internationally”.
In addition to a cash prize, Lios will attend the International Aeronautical Congress (IAC) in Dubai from the 25th to 29th, of October alongside the Director General of ESA. The IAC is the world’s premier space event – bringing together decision makers in the global space community to exchange insights, discuss advancements, and collaborate.
Tom Kelly, Divisional Manager for Innovation and Competitiveness at Enterprise Ireland said “Lios- ’success at the Global Space Markets Challenge showcases Ireland punching above its weight in the space sector and the value of spinning technologies into space from other industries. There are major opportunities for Irish SMEs in the space sector, and we are thrilled to see Lios recognised on an international stage.”
Product advancements made for SoundBounce to meet the demands of the space sector will bring further opportunities in industries such as automotive and commercial aviation, where lightweight and flammability are major concerns. Lios is leading the way in tackling the noise challenges of the future on earth and beyond using advanced acoustic materials.