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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. 


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#Research & Development

TCLF: Resilient value chains in times of crises

The textiles, clothing, leather and footwear (TCLF) industry was at the centre of the webinar “Resilient value chains in times of crises”, which took place on 28 April 2026. Global supply chains continue to face increasing pressure, raw material dependencies are growing and economic uncertainties are affecting the entire sector.

#Research & Development

Elastic yarns to become more recyclable and environmentally friendly in future

On 29 April 2026, ITA student Tobias Dickmeiß was awarded a sponsorship prize by the Wilhelm Lorch-Stiftung for his innovative approach, to replacing conventional elastane with elastic yarns made from thermoplastic copolyester elastomers (TPC). Thanks to their thermoplastic nature and compatibility with typical polyesters used in the textile industry, elastic TPC yarns offer improved recyclability. Furthermore, the use of the melt-spinning process in yarn production eliminates the need for solvents that are harmful to the environment and human health.

#Research & Development

Walter Reiners Foundation Prize awarded to three ITA graduates

Sabina Dann, Lukas Balon and Annegret Storm from the Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen University were awarded the Walter Reiners Foundation Prize by the German Engineering Federation (VDMA) for their master’s and bachelor’s theses. Peter Dornier, Chairman of the Walter Reiners Foundation, presented the awards during Techtextil at the VDMA stand in Frankfurt am Main, Germany.

#Research & Development

ITA spin-off Solid Air (SA) Dynamics reaches the semi-finals of the Rice Business Plan Competition

The ITA spin-off SA Dynamics has been nominated for the semi-finals of this year’s Rice Business Plan Competition (RBPC), one of the world’s most prestigious start-up competitions, held at Rice University in Houston, Texas.

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#Research & Development

Textile climate control system in workwear – exhibition at the 2026 SME Innovation Day!

Conventional protective workwear often reaches its limits during strenuous physical activity. In particular, the transport of sweat and excess body heat poses a problem. The German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research (DITF) conducted research on flow-optimized, air-conducting textile structures that enable targeted climate control directly on the body. These structures can be integrated straight into protective work garments. The textile climate control system supports the body’s natural thermoregulation. This contributes to improved workplace safety and comfort.

#Techtextil 2026

Young talents honoured – 60 years Walter Reiners Foundation

At the Techtextil trade fair in Frankfurt at the end of April, Peter D. Dornier, chairman of the VDMA’s Walter Reiners Foundation, presented awards to five successful young engineers. Promotion and sustainability awards were presented in the categories of bachelor’s/project theses and diploma/master’s theses. Academic theses are eligible for the sustainability awards if, for example, they develop solutions for resource-efficient products and technologies.

#Research & Development

Regional hemp bast for lightweight construction profiles

The cultivation of fibre hemp for the production of ropes and clothing has a long tradition in Saxony. Due to its excellent fibre properties, it is also suitable as a renewable raw material for reinforcement in fibre composites. At the STFI and IWU in Chemnitz, the CannaPul project is cur- rently investigating how a regional value chain for hemp-based lightweight construction profiles can be established. To this end, the technical processing of hemp fibres into continuous fibre strands and their embedding in a suitable bio-based matrix are being investigated.

#ITMA 2027

ITMA 2027 opens Start-Up Valley applications following success stories from 2023

Following several high-profile success stories emerging from the Start-Up Valley at ITMA 2023, applications are now open for young companies wishing to participate in the initiative at ITMA 2027.

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#Home Textiles

Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles unveils Trends 2027 alongside new lifestyle zone and product expansion

Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Autumn Edition 2026 will spotlight forward-looking design directions and evolving consumer demand, as the global home and lifestyle market continues to adapt to sustainability priorities, emotional well-being, and diversified living spaces. Taking place from 18 – 20 August 2026 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), the fair will present its latest trend theme, ‘BREATHE UP!’, developed in collaboration with leading international trend forecaster NellyRodi™ Agency, alongside expanded product categories, and the debut of the Home Textiles Lifestyle Zone.

#ITM 2026

Groz-Beckert brings new knitting, weaving and nonwovens technologies to ITM 2026

From June 9 to 13, 2026, Groz-Beckert will present its latest innovations and solutions across the product areas of Knitting, Weaving and Nonwovens at ITM in Istanbul (Hall 3, Booth 304B).

#ITM 2026

Itema to showcase weaving excellence at ITM 2026

From June 9 to 13, Itema will exhibit at ITM 2026 in Istanbul (Hall 8 – Stand 806D), unveiling a distinctive exhibition concept designed to highlight the Company’s expertise across the entire weaving value chain. For this year’s edition, Itema will introduce an innovative stand experience built around two core areas: advanced weaving and spare parts solutions and an immersive textile gallery featuring fabrics produced by Itema Customers worldwide.

#Textiles & Apparel / Garment

Global size study for brands and retailers to optimize fit and market coverage

Hohenstein Apparel Fit Solutions, a global leader in apparel fit, sizing, and product development, today announces the launch of its Global Size Study, a new initiative designed to equip brands to better understand and serve their target consumers through more accurate, market-relevant sizing.

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