SoftInWay Switzerland GmbH has been selected for a cutting-edge R&D project funded by the European Space Agency (ESA) under the FIRST! (Future Innovation Research in Space Transportation) initiative. This project, part of ESA’s Future Launchers Preparatory Program (FLPP), aims to de-risk and develop a Cryogenic Hydrostatic Bearing System (CHBS) designed for reusable liquid oxygen turbopumps—an essential step toward the next generation of high-performance space propulsion systems.
In collaboration with BeBlue Cryotech (Belgium) and Sirius Space Services (France), SoftInWay will lead the development of the CHBS, with completion expected within a year. The goal is to advance this system to Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4/5, making it ready to be integrated into future rocket propulsion systems.
With decades of expertise in turbomachinery design and analysis, SoftInWay is well-positioned to lead this important initiative, which aims to overcome longstanding performance limitations in turbopump bearings. Hydrostatic bearings offer a promising solution to meet the increasingly demanding requirements of reusable launch systems. The CHBS project will validate new design methodologies and software tools, establish scalable manufacturing processes, and evaluate the performance of the bearing systems under a wide range of operational conditions—including the stop/start cycles, especially important to reusable systems.
This project is a key milestone for both SoftInWay and the broader space propulsion community,” said Theunis du Toit, Technical Project Manager at SoftInWay Switzerland GmbH. “By pushing the boundaries of bearing technology, we are laying the foundation for the next generation of high-performance, reusable space vehicles. We are honored to collaborate with ESA and our European partners to bring this vision to life, and we believe this work will have a lasting impact across both space applications and other advanced cryogenic systems.”
This initiative not only advances European space propulsion but also reflects SoftInWay’s expanding footprint in cryogenic and reusable launch technologies. Building on its extensive work in turbomachinery and space systems, the company is helping pave the way for next-generation, sustainable propulsion.
By working closely with its partners, SoftInWay is developing CHBS configurations with a clear path toward integration into Sirius Space Services’ future systems—supporting Europe’s long-term goals for reusability and performance in space transportation.
