The research is part of CRYSALIS, a consortium formed by the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya - BarcelonaTech (UPC), the companies Absolut System and The Exploration Company, and the Centre Spatial de Liège. It is funded with 7.4 million euros from the Horizon Europe programme.

The project aims to develop a system capable of transferring and storing cryogenic propellants for long-term use in microgravity. These propellants, such as liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen, are stored and used at extremely low temperatures. They offer high performance and efficiency for rocket engines but still pose significant challenges in terms of management and storage in space.

The CRYSALIS project addresses this challenge by developing technologies set to undergo a six-month small-scale orbital demonstration in 2027. This experimental technology will validate storage and transfer systems in a real space environment, paving the way for new exploration opportunities, including in-orbit transportation, long-duration missions and orbital fuel storage.

The UPC’s Space Exploration Laboratory is specifically contributing to the project by developing an experimental acoustic propellant management system, incorporating techniques for controlling boiling and measuring fuel levels. At the laboratory, which is part of the Castelldefels School of Telecommunications and Aerospace Engineering (EETAC), researchers design subsystems to test these techniques and carry out experiments to validate the system.

As head of the Laboratory Ricard González-Cinca explains, “The key innovation is that the experiment will take place in an orbiting capsule, and the acoustic techniques for fuel management will be tested with cryogenic propellants.” The researcher adds, “Our participation in this project reflects the University’s commitment to developing new technologies for space applications.”

A key technology for advancing space exploration
CRYSALIS is the first project of its kind in Europe and brings together four leading European organisations, each contributing unique expertise. The project is coordinated by Absolut System, a French company responsible for developing the demonstrator and some of the associated technologies, drawing on its expertise in cryogenics. The Franco-German company The Exploration Company manages the in-orbit demonstration, including the integration and operation of its Nyx spacecraft. Meanwhile, Belgium’s Centre Spatial de Liège will handle the qualification testing of the flight system.

CRYSALIS represents a crucial step forward in space exploration and the evolution of Europe’s space transportation ecosystem. The technologies developed will extend the scope and duration of space missions, including those to the Moon and Mars, and open new frontiers of exploration. Additionally, they will facilitate end-of-life satellite management and enable in-orbit refuelling and other advances.