The activity of the Łukasiewicz investigation Network institutes brings Poland closer to achieving its own access to space. The network has announced a Space investigation Programme with a budget of PLN 2.4 billion, which by 2035 is intended to warrant us independency in carrying cargo into orbit. The key component of the program is the Amber 2K rocket and the improvement of dual-use technology.
Rocket ILR-33 Amber 2K illustration photo
Łukasiewicz investigation Network increased the participation of defence and safety projects from 12.5% in 2023 to 67% in 2026. “This is not evolution, this is simply a breakthrough,” the representatives of the Network convince. On 31 March, they held a gathering on the presentation of their achievements, projects and future plans related to dual-use technologies.
Unmanned systems (e.g. specialised robots, drones) and space technologies, which are developed in terms of expanding the presence of Polish entities in Earth orbit as well as more "ground" military solutions, played a major function among them. The network consists of 22 national institutes, whose competence in space technology includes ultra-black detection coatings, ecological satellite drives, rocket technology, composite materials, 3D printing, and satellite service in orbit.
Łukasiewicz – Institute of Aviation (ILOT) is the organization on the Network that is liable for the investigation and improvement of aerospace technologies and pilots the Łukasiewicz Space investigation Program, which was announced in March 2026. The programme covers respective twelve investigation projects planned by 2035 with a full budget of about PLN 2.4 billion. 50-60% is the net's own resources, the remainder comes from European Space Agency (ESA) and Horizon Europe, a key European Union programme for investigation and innovation funding.
Poland closer to space
The programme focuses on 3 method areas: satellite platforms (SPARK 1, 2 and 3), orbital technologies (orbital rockets with infrastructure) and useful loads. SBL convinces that the Polish rocket and space program opens the position of independent, responsive access to orbit – from a mobile launcher or from an aircraft deck.
At the same time, space technologies have direct defence potential. We are talking primarily about the suborbital rocket ILR-33 Amber 2K (the world's first with 98% hydrogen peroxide as an oxidant), which in 2024 reached a ceiling of 101 km, i.e. exceeded the contractual boundary of space. During that Flight AmberAs expected, he landed 135 km from the launch site.
With 4 alternatively of 2 auxiliary engines, the rocket could travel even 3 times the distance. Significantly, the Amber rocket was successfully tested in an unfavorable environment, erstwhile during its maiden flight it was exposed to strong interference from a Russian object located in a close area of the polygon. The Amber engines were already curious in the French working on a tiny multi-use orbital rocket MaiaSpace – a European alternate to SpaceX services.
However, ILOT does not intend to halt selling licenses or providing ready-to-use solutions to its customers. – We planned respective steps to let for the next decade the flight of Polish cargoes useful on board full Polish satellite platforms and full Polish rockets – said Dr. Adam Okniński from the Space Technology Center, Łukasiewicz – ILOT.
He added that it was not about implementing short projects (grants for two, 3 years), but about long-term looking. “This will let to make Polish competences and to play a measurable function in the marketplace not only Polish but besides European”, Okniński said. "We have no appetite to lower the cost of carrying a kilo of cargo to a fewer 1000 euros, as SpaceX does, it is simply impossible for a tiny responsive rocket. The value is mainly added in consequence and independence, including that we do not supply documentation," said the ILOT representative.
He explained that now Polish entities must anticipate respective months to be able to carry their cargo into space aboard a abroad orbital rocket. This besides implies the request to supply the service supplier with a crucial part of the documentation. ILOT so seeks to supply sovereign capabilities that will let much faster, more frequently and without the request to supply documentation on e.g. military technologies to send loads into the chosen orbit.
Unmanned launcher
The solutions utilized in the suborbital rocket Amber are now besides utilized in the task under the name "Aviation mark manoeuvring strategy utilizing rocket accelerators" implemented within the government the programme of fresh technologies in the field of safety and defence of the State of Perun. The task outside ILOT besides involves: Air Force method Institute (ITWL), Gamrat peculiar Production Plant And Thaliana Space. “Development work on the task began in March 2026 and could last up to 24 months,” said Adam Okniński.
He added that it was about the usage of auxiliary engines Amber for solid propellant in an unmanned aircraft (BSP) developed by ITWL. “Now specified a ship is launched utilizing a pneumatic catapult,” said ILOT representative. After utilizing rocket engines, the Amber launch BSP will not require a multi-ton catapult, making it much more flexible to operate in combat conditions.
Let us remind that ITWL has been developing the task for many years Unmanned vessel JET-2, presented in the form of a jet air mark as well as circular ammunition (JET-2 LM). The task co-implemented by ILOT is expected to scope TRL 9 (technological readiness level), which means that it is about creating a technology ready to implement, not just laboratory investigating or prototype testing.
The Łukasiewicz investigation Network emphasizes that mass production of any military-based solutions requires partnership with the Polish arms industry. Institutes are able to produce up to 10 units of the strategy themselves. Larger orders, e.g. respective 100 unmanned workers, require cooperation with the Polish Armed Forces Group or another industrial partners. We've already had talks about this.