FibreCoat and Lofith Develop New-Generation Thermoplastic Composite for Space Applications

FibreCoat, a leading global coated-fibre technology company, and Spanish advanced-materials manufacturer Lofith Composites have entered into a strategic partnership to develop next-generation thermoplastic composites for the space industry. The first orbital test of the jointly developed material is planned for 2026. Under this scope, a satellite will carry test panels in orbit for 12 months.

Sustainable and high-performance materials
Under the partnership, FibreCoat's coated-fibre technology is being integrated with Lofith's capabilities in recyclable thermoplastic tape and composite manufacturing. The aim is to develop materials that are resistant to extreme space conditions, lightweight, environmentally friendly, and high-performing.

Detectors installed on the panels in the orbital test will monitor ionising radiation, temperature fluctuations, and environmental effects in areas with and without radiation shielding. The data obtained will be critical in achieving "space-ready" status for the materials and in developing cost-effective, durable material solutions for the space industry.

Water-saving production process from Lofith
Founded in 2024, Lofith Composites offers materials that are 50 per cent lighter than aluminium, 30 per cent more durable, and fully recyclable through its innovative impregnation process. This technology stands out for its lower water consumption compared to conventional methods.

Award-winning innovation from FibreCoat
FibreCoat recently won the Industry Award in the DLR INNOspace Masters "DLR Challenge" category, securing EUR 500,000 in investment, and was selected as the overall winner in the "Pioneering Technology" category. The company has developed a unique method that coats metals and plastics onto fibres during the fibre-spinning process, providing conductivity, strength, and lightness simultaneously. Its recently introduced bismuth-based coating technology offers additional functionality and sustainability.

"Pushing space's boundaries sustainably"
FibreCoat Chief Executive Officer Dr. Robert Brüll commented on the matter as follows:

"Space pushes materials to their limits. By combining FibreCoat's coated fibres with Lofith's advanced composites, we are demonstrating that durability, viability, and cost efficiency can coexist while protecting the environment. We believe the upcoming orbital test will prove that our technology is ready for use in space."

Lofith Composites Chief Executive Officer Amador García Sancho said, "Our objective has always been to develop recyclable, robust thermoplastic composites that maintain their durability in challenging environments. Our partnership with FibreCoat has enabled us to combine our expertise to produce materials that can be used across a wide range of applications, from satellite panels to advanced infrastructure solutions. This represents a real turning point in sustainable space infrastructure."

Sustainable materials push in USD 1.8 trillion market
According to World Economic Forum data, the global space economy is expected to reach USD 1.8 trillion by 2035. As demand for sustainable, lightweight, and durable materials grows within this rapid expansion, the partnership between FibreCoat and Lofith is regarded as a pioneering step in shaping the future of space.