Ignition Systems

Stork Product Engineering specialises in working with engine specifications for launchers. We are investigating into today's and tomorrow's ignition systems for sea level and vacuum startable and restartable engines. We are working to be one of the best developers and manufacturers of ignition systems for space propulsion in the world. Our expertise in the field of ignition systems was founded with the Ariane 5 ignition system as a solid basis. This ignition system has been developed and is in production for the Vulcain first stage cryogenic main engine of the Ariane 5 launcher.

As a result of this long and extensive experience in the Ariane 5 programme we are specialists in engine specifications related to space propulsion environment. The expertise covered is: ignition phenomena, thermodynamics, flow dynamics, high temperature structure design, combustion technology and electronics. The expertise is used in a systems engineering environment.

Stork Product Engineering co-operates closely with Astrium and SNECMA for technology development of ignition systems for liquid space propulsion. Stork Product Engineering is involved in technology development programmes on a national level and covers ignition phenomena of gases, injection and mixing of gases, electronics for initiators, demonstration of new ignition system concepts and gaseous hydrogen/oxygen thrusters.

On an international level we participate in the folowing ESA projects. In the Future European Space Transportation Investigations Programme (FESTIP) the activities of Stork Product Engineering include the development of resonance igniters and systems studies for reaction control systems. In the Future Launcher Technology Programme (FLTP) Stork Product Engineering is involved in the demonstration of ignition systems main propulsion and thrusters for reaction control systems.</p>