Lift off as Dublin firm to develop rocket engines for space missions

A DUBLIN-based firm is to develop the next generation of rocket engine technologies to be used for future space exploration missions by the European Space Agency (ESA).

AMPAC-ISP Europe, which is headquartered in Dublin, won the contract — with an initial value of €2 million split between the Irish and British divisions of Ampac.

The company will develop new processes, materials and technologies to improve the performance of engines used in spacecraft orbit insertion and other in-space propulsion manoeuvres.

AMPAC-ISP is a world leader in the development and supply of propulsion systems, fluid control components and launch vehicle structural components.

The company’s headquarters in Dublin has seen significant growth in employment — from 17 in 2008 to 35 currently.

These positions include propulsion engineering, product assurance, manufacturing technology and business development. AMPAC-ISP is projecting further growth and expects to recruit an additional 15 highly qualified personnel in the next two years.

Research and innovation minister Seán Sherlock said the company was a further example of Ireland being at the cutting-edge in terms of innovation.

“AMPAC-ISP Dublin is a prime example of how the Government’s national space strategy supports Irish technology companies to develop innovative, high performance and high reliability technologies for the commercial space market,” he said.

Mr Sherlock said Ireland’s membership of the ESA has helped more than 70 firms secure contracts worth more than €70 million in the past decade.

“The level of export sales from Irish investment in ESA is estimated at €35m in 2010 and is projected to grow to €96m by 2014 as the number of Irish companies securing ESA contract continues to expand, and as existing Irish ESA contractors progress from intensive R&D phase to commercial exploitation phase.”

Managing director of AMPAC-ISP Europe, David Gibbons, said the contract showed that confidence in Irish capabilities in this sector were high.

“We are very pleased to continue our long working relationship with ESA, developing state-of-the-art solutions for critical mission applications. Our success in winning the ESA programme is a clear indication of the confidence in Irish capabilities and provides another opportunity for growth in the coming years,” he said.