Irish Manufacturing Research is supporting University of Limerick's ULAS HiPR team in developing the Republic of Ireland's first additively manufactured liquid rocket engine through the FactoryXChange 2.0 programme, according to Irish Manufacturing Research.

The rocket project, Lúin of Celtchar, represents a significant step forward for student-led aerospace innovation in Ireland whilst highlighting the role of advanced manufacturing in enabling next-generation propulsion systems.

The engine is currently being produced at Irish Manufacturing Research's Advanced Manufacturing Lab in Mullingar, leveraging metal additive manufacturing technologies to deliver complex, high-performance components.

The collaboration reflects Irish Manufacturing Research's ongoing commitment to strengthening Ireland's advanced manufacturing ecosystem through applied research and industry-academic partnerships. By supporting ULAS HiPR, a rapidly growing multidisciplinary student team, FactoryXChange 2.0 helps translate ambitious engineering concepts into tangible hardware.

The use of additive manufacturing enables intricate internal geometries, including integrated cooling channels, which would be difficult to achieve through conventional methods, whilst also supporting rapid design iteration and performance optimisation.

Mark Hartnett, design for manufacturing senior technologist at Irish Manufacturing Research, said: "At IMR, supporting teams like ULAS HiPR reflects our commitment to enabling the next generation of aerospace innovators. This project demonstrates how advanced manufacturing technologies can rapidly move from concept to high-performance application, while also building critical skills and capability within Ireland's engineering community."

The project has gained further momentum with ULAS HiPR's acceptance into the 2026 Race2Space International Propulsion Competition. This milestone provides a valuable platform for showcasing Irish engineering capability on an international stage whilst reinforcing the importance of hands-on, real-world experience in developing future engineering talent.

Explore comprehensive details on the rocket engine development and manufacturing collaboration in the complete report.