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#Research & Development

Successful Take Off of "CARL II" student rocket

Successful Take Off of “CARL II”, source: Space Team Aachen e.V. © Space Team Aachen e.V.
Space Team Aachen is the association for space-loving students at RWTH Aachen University. In mid-October, Space Team Aachen once again took part in EuRoC, the largest student rocket competition in Europe, where it successfully launched the club's second competition solid rocket, CARL II. CARL II reached an apogee of 2840 m and a maximum speed of 280 m/s.

During the descent the main parachute got caught and did not open fully, so the impact was a little stronger than expected. Apart from that, the flight can be considered a complete success, as the recorded data and most of the systems could be recovered without damage. Including images from the on-board camera! Thus, this and all future generations of Space Team Aachen can learn a lot from the flight of CARL II.

Transport of “CARL II”  © Space Team Aachen e.V.
Transport of “CARL II” © Space Team Aachen e.V.



The Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen University supports Space Team Aachen in the design and manufacture of the body tubes, which form the central structural parts of the rocket. The manufacturing methods provided by ITA enable the production of these body tubes from CFRP, resulting in a lightweight and robust structure. ITA is also supporting Space Team Aachen in the development of the new rocket, STAHR, which is to reach an altitude of 10 km with a self-developed engine. For this rocket, the association needs a fuel tank for the first time, which is to be designed and manufactured with the help of ITA. 


More News from Institut für Textiltechnik of RWTH Aachen University (ITA)

#Composites

More affordable, environmentally friendly hydrogen pressure tanks at ITA-JEC booth

As a highlight of the JEC, the Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen University will be presenting hydrogen pressure tanks manufactured using multifilament winding processes at the NRW joint booth in Hall 5, Stand G65.

#Research & Development

Pellet press enables thermomechanical textile recycling on a pilot scale at ITA

Since the end of 2025, the technical centre of the Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen University has been equipped with a pellet press from the manufacturer Amandus Kahl GmbH & Co. KG, Reinbek, Germany. This press can efficiently compact shredded synthetic textiles at a throughput of up to 25 kg/h and process them into pellets with a diameter of 4 mm.

#Research & Development

Solid Air Dynamics wins second place at RWTH Innovation Award

On 30 January, RWTH spin-off Solid Air Dynamics was awarded second place in the RWTH Innovation Awards for its research in the field of aerogel fibres. Manufactured from renewable raw materials, aerogel fibres offer outstanding thermal insulation, are extremely lightweight and completely biodegradable, and can consist of over 90 per cent air.

#Research & Development

Award-winning research for sustainable carbon fibre cycles

Sustainable recycling of carbon fibres is possible through targeted electrochemical surface modification, which makes the sizing of carbon fibres resistant to solvolysis. ITA PhD student Sabina Dann was awarded the MSW Award from RWTH Aachen University for her master's thesis on this development. The award ceremony took place on 12 November 2025 in Aachen.

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#Research & Development

Pioneer of the first hour: Michael Carus steps down after more than 30 years from nova-Institute’s Management

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#Man-Made Fibers

Toray develops AURLIST™ polyester filament fiber with luxurious luster and ultra-fine structure

Toray Industries has developed AURLIST™, a new polyester filament fiber designed to combine luxurious luster, soft loft and a subtle fibrillated surface texture. The company primarily targets applications in women’s apparel such as tops, bottoms and dresses.

#Sustainability

The nova-Institute establishes new Renewable Feedstock Department to lay the groundwork for industrial defossilisation

The transition from fossil-based to renewable carbon – sourced from biomass, CO₂ utilisation and recycling – is the cornerstone of a climate-neutral chemical industry. The nova-Institute’s new department is dedicated to providing the essential data, analyses and strategic roadmaps required to secure a reliable future feedstock supply and make this transition a commercial and ecological reality.

#Composites

STFI at JEC

The Sächsisches Textilforschungsinstitut e.V. (STFI) will present composites for aviation made from recycled carbon fibres and natural fibres, as well as printed lightweight elements for surface heating in electric vehicles at JEC World in Paris.

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#Recycled_Fibers

Worn Again Technologies unveils the Accelerator

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#Knitting & Hosiery

Driving WARP KNIT Inspiration

KARL MAYER sees performance fabrics and next-level textile solutions in particular as potential growth drivers for its customers, as a motor for business development and as real game changers for the entire textile industry. Innovation does not happen by chance. It is the result of close exchange with customers & brands, textile expertise and competence in textile machine engineering. This is why KARL MAYER is investing in progress and collaborative development and opening its TEXTILE INNOVATION CEN-TER (TIC) – a place to be for the entire textile world.

#Dyeing, Drying, Finishing

Monforts unveils interactive digital platform for textile finishers

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#Techtextil 2026

Knowledge that drives progress: Techtextil and Texprocess forums strengthen the global textile industry with a future-oriented programme

From AI-supported production optimisation and digital manufacturing solutions to circular technologies and bio-based high-performance materials: the Techtextil and Texprocess forums provide answers to the key challenges of the global textile industry with a curated content programme. As hubs for innovation and knowledge, they enhance competitiveness and offer orientation in changing markets. From 21 to 24 April 2026, Frankfurt is once again the global meeting point for thought leaders from industry, research and business.

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