Liquifer Systems Group
Liquifer Systems Group is a Vienna-based space architecture consultancy designing deployable habitats, lunar construction systems, and crew quarters for ESA, NASA, and aerospace primes such as Thales Alenia Space. Revenue is generated primarily through EU research grants and direct agency contracts.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2005
- HeadquartersVienna, Austria
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Liquifer Systems Group does
LIQUIFER Systems Group GmbH is a Vienna-based transdisciplinary design and engineering consultancy founded circa 2005, specializing in space architecture — the design of habitable environments for human spaceflight, planetary surfaces, and extreme Earth environments. Its core technical portfolio spans deployable structures (SHEE self-deployable habitat, FLECS foldable crew quarter), in-situ resource utilization via sunlight-sintering 3D printing of lunar regolith (RegoLight, PAVER), crew systems and mockups (Lunar I-Hab for the Gateway program, ISS Sleep Kit), and bio-integrated life-support design (EDEN ISS Antarctic greenhouse, Living Architecture Horizon 2020 project). The firm delivers concepts, prototypes, and full-scale mockups to space agencies and aerospace primes.
The company serves three primary customer segments: space agencies and government programs (ESA, NASA, Austrian Space Forum), aerospace primes and systems integrators (Thales Alenia Space, OHB), and research institutions and universities (DLR, TU Delft, University of Innsbruck), with a secondary citizen-science and education channel (Vienna Museum of Science and Technology, BMBWF Sparkling Science). Its business model is project-based professional services revenue, predominantly funded through EU Framework Programme grants (FP7, Horizon 2020) and direct contracts with space agencies and primes, with a small supplemental stream from science communication and education engagements. Distribution is exclusively direct enterprise sales via consortium bids and prime procurement, with no self-serve or retail channels. The firm operates from Vienna (headquarters, Obere Donaustraße 97/1/62) and through an independent sister company, LIQUIFER Space Systems GmbH, in Bremen (Fahrenheitstraße 1), enabling closer proximity to German aerospace customers.
Liquifer Systems Group firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Liquifer Systems Group
- Legal name
- LIQUIFER Systems Group GmbH
- Website
- https://liquifer.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2005
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Liquifer Systems Group is a Vienna-based space architecture consultancy designing deployable habitats, lunar construction systems, and crew quarters for ESA, NASA, and aerospace primes such as Thales Alenia Space. Revenue is generated primarily through EU research grants and direct agency contracts.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Liquifer Systems Group industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Space Architecture and Engineering Services
- akta.pro primary industry
- Spacecraft Avionics, Flight Computers & Software (IMABACAI)
Keywords
Where Liquifer Systems Group is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Vienna
- HQ country
- Austria
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices2 records
Markets served
Liquifer Systems Group business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- EU Research Programme Grants (FP7, Horizon 2020): A significant portion of LIQUIFER's revenue historically comes from EU Framework Programme grants (7th Framework Programme for Research and FP7, and Horizon 2020). Projects include MOONWALK (FP7), Living Architecture (Horizon 2020 FET-Open), EDEN ISS, and RegoLight. These grants fund R&D collaboration with international consortia.
- Space Agency Contracts: Direct contracts with ESA (European Space Agency) and aerospace primes such as Thales Alenia Space (Italy) for the Lunar I-Hab module. Also referenced in ESA documentation for moon base studies, 3D printing projects, and habitat development. NASA referenced in publications (HI-SEAS, space habitat challenges).
- Science Communication & Education Services: Citizen science projects (e.g., 'This is (not) rocket science!' with Vienna Museum of Science and Technology, funded by BMBWF Sparkling Science 2.0). Workshops for schools and public engagement generate revenue through institutional funding.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels8 records
Liquifer Systems Group product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Liquifer Systems Group provides transdisciplinary space architecture research, design, and engineering services focused on habitable environments for human spaceflight and extreme Earth conditions. Deliverables include deployable habitat concepts (FLECS, SHEE), in-situ resource utilization construction methods (RegoLight), integrated habitation module mockups (Lunar I-Hab for Gateway), bio-regenerative life support prototypes (EDEN ISS, Living Architecture), and workplace rejuvenation structures (Deployable Getaway).
Product overview
LIQUIFER Systems Group is a transdisciplinary space architecture firm offering a portfolio of specialized products for space habitation and extreme environment design. The company's offerings include deployable habitats (FLECS, SHEE), crew systems (Lunar I-Hab, ISS Sleep Kit), advanced manufacturing technologies (RegoLight, LavaHive), and research projects (Living Architecture, MOONWALK, EDEN ISS). Their product ecosystem spans from space station modules and lunar surface structures to Earth-based applications, with recent emphasis on the FLECS foldable astronaut cabin and Lunar Gateway I-Hab module development.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- FLECS (Foldable Living Environment for Crew Support) A foldable private cabin designed for astronauts that requires no permanent infrastructure and can be quickly unfolded and easily stowed away when not in use, providing flexible crew quarters in space.
- Lunar I-Hab Mockup (Gateway International Habitation Module) Integrated mockup of the Lunar Gateway International Habitation module delivered under contract to prime contractor Thales Alenia Space of Italy.
- SHEE (Self-deployable Habitat for Extreme Environments) A self-deployable habitat designed for extreme environments on Earth, Moon, and Mars, transported compactly and expanded autonomously at destination.
- RegoLight Sunlight Sintering 3D Printing 3D printing technology using concentrated sunlight to sinter (melt) lunar regolith simulant into solid ceramic structures and radiation-protective domes for lunar surface construction.
- EDEN ISS Greenhouse System Greenhouse system project for food production in space and extreme environments, simulating closed-loop agriculture conditions for space habitation.
- Living Architecture Bio-regenerative Habitat EU Horizon 2020 FET-Open research project delivering bio-regenerative life support systems that combine biology and architecture for space habitats.
- MOONWALK Research Project EU FP7 funded research project for moon exploration and operations, including lunar simulations, crew systems, and the SHEE self-deployable habitat.
- Deployable Getaway for the Office Mobile, ergonomic, transformable cocoon-like structure designed for workplace rejuvenation, with space architecture applications.
- ISS Sleep Kit Sleep system designed for astronauts on the International Space Station, addressing crew accommodation and rest requirements in microgravity.
- LavaHive (NASA 3D-Printed Habitat Challenge project) NASA 3D-Printed Habitat Challenge project exploring lava tube habitats for Mars using additive manufacturing techniques for extraterrestrial construction.
- PAVER Lunar Paving Project Project focused on building infrastructure on the Moon through laser melting manufacturing of large elements from lunar regolith simulant for paving applications.
Quantifiable outcome
- I-Hab mockup acceptance review completed successfully in March 2024 under contract to Thales Alenia Space for Gateway's Lunar I-Hab module
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use Liquifer Systems Group
Customer profileNamed customers7 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Liquifer Systems Group technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature6 records
Liquifer Systems Group partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.
- European Space Agency (ESA)coreESA is a primary research partner. LIQUIFER contributes to multiple ESA-funded studies including lunar habitat design, RegoLight 3D printing with lunar regolith (co-published with ESA), and EDEN ISS Antarctic greenhouse simulation. ESA featured LIQUIFER work in its official space-in-images publications.
- Thales Alenia Space (Italy)flagshipIn March 2024, an industrial consortium managed by LIQUIFER Space Systems (Germany) delivered an integrated mockup of Gateway's International Habitation (Lunar I-Hab) module to Thales Alenia Space, the module's prime contractor. The acceptance review was a complete success. This is LIQUIFER's highest-profile commercial contract.
- OHB (Germany)minorOHB awarded a study for 3D printing on the Moon. LIQUIFER's RegoLight sunlight sintering technology and expertise in lunar construction was referenced in OHB's lunar program activities. OHB is a major European space systems integrator.
- German Aerospace Center (DLR)coreDLR is a key consortium partner in the EDEN ISS project, an Antarctic greenhouse simulating space agriculture. LIQUIFER designed the habitat systems; DLR managed the Antarctic station operations. The project validates closed-loop life support for space missions.
- NASAcoreLIQUIFER participates in NASA-connected research including the NASA 3D-Printed Habitat Challenge (2015), HI-SEAS Mars simulation collaborations (interviews and project involvement), and engagement with NASA astronauts at ISDC conferences. NASA references LIQUIFER work in space architecture publications.
- TU Munich School of Engineering and DesignminorBarbara Imhof holds a seminar and talk at the Department of Human Spaceflight Technology, TU Munich School of Engineering and Design in May 2026. Ongoing academic engagement and guest lecturing relationship.
- International Space University (ISU)minorBarbara Imhof engaged with ISU faculty and students. Dr. Virginia Wotring (ISU professor) featured in LIQUIFER's Space Specials podcast discussing human performance in space. LIQUIFER participates in ISU-connected research and education networks.
- AIAA Space Architecture Technical CommitteecoreBarbara Imhof is an active member and speaker at AIAA Space Architecture Technical Committee gatherings (e.g., LA-LV Section 2020). The committee drives space architecture standards and research coordination across the aerospace industry.
- Austrian Space ForumminorLIQUIFER collaborates with the Austrian Space Forum on Mars analog simulations (AMADEE missions) and public science communication events. Norbert Frischauf of the Forum co-hosts events with LIQUIFER team members.
- Vienna Museum of Science and Technology (TMW)coreTMW initiated the citizen science project 'This is (not) rocket science!' (Sparkling Science 2.0, funded by BMBWF). LIQUIFER co-develops Mars simulation games and school workshops with TMW and Viennese schools, engaging children as citizen scientists.
- PARK Books (Publisher)minorPARK Books published 'Living Beyond Earth: Architecture for Extreme Environments' by LIQUIFER in 2024. Book launch held at ESPI (European Space Policy Institute).
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Liquifer Systems Group competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Heatherwick Studio: Experimental design practice that has explored space-habitat and living-system concepts, comparable to LIQUIFER's cross-disciplinary deployment of architecture into space contexts.
- Foster + Partners: Architectural firm that co-developed a 3D-printed Mars habitat concept with the European Space Agency, occupying the same space-architecture and habitat-design niche serving government space clients.
- BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group): Architectural practice that has developed Mars habitat concepts and innovative space-related design projects, comparable to LIQUIFER's transdisciplinary space-architecture remit.
- AI SpaceFactory: Winner of the NASA 3D-Printed Habitat Challenge; develops space-grade additive-manufacturing and Mars habitat architecture, directly comparable to LIQUIFER's regolith construction and habitat work.
- HASSELL: Architectural practice with a human-centered space and extreme-environment design portfolio that overlaps with LIQUIFER's crew-systems and habitat work.
- MAD Architects: Innovative architecture practice with experimental, futurist building concepts and installations adjacent to the space-habitat design space LIQUIFER occupies.
- SEArch+ (Space Exploration Architecture): Direct competitor to LIQUIFER in the NASA 3D-Printed Habitat Challenge and broader space-habitat design competitions; both firms focus on human-centered space architecture.
Broad incumbents
- Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM): Large global architectural firm with a broader aerospace and space-station design practice; overlaps LIQUIFER's habitat engineering work but as part of a much wider portfolio.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Liquifer Systems Group social profiles
Digital presenceLiquifer Systems Group financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Liquifer Systems Group leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
Liquifer Systems Group subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
Liquifer Systems Group funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Liquifer Systems Group M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Liquifer Systems Group
What does Liquifer Systems Group do?
Liquifer Systems Group provides transdisciplinary space architecture research, design, and engineering services focused on habitable environments for human spaceflight and extreme Earth conditions. Deliverables include deployable habitat concepts (FLECS, SHEE), in-situ resource utilization construction methods (RegoLight), integrated habitation module mockups (Lunar I-Hab for Gateway), bio-regenerative life support prototypes (EDEN ISS, Living Architecture), and workplace rejuvenation structures (Deployable Getaway).
Is Liquifer Systems Group a public or private company?
Liquifer Systems Group is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Liquifer Systems Group founded?
Liquifer Systems Group was founded in 2005. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Liquifer Systems Group based?
Liquifer Systems Group is headquartered in Vienna, Austria, in the Europe region.
How does Liquifer Systems Group make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. EU Research Programme Grants (FP7, Horizon 2020) is the primary driver. The others are space Agency Contracts and science Communication & Education Services.
Who are Liquifer Systems Group's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Heatherwick Studio, Foster + Partners, BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group), AI SpaceFactory, HASSELL, MAD Architects and SEArch+ (Space Exploration Architecture). Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does Liquifer Systems Group have an API?
No public API is recorded for Liquifer Systems Group.
What industry is Liquifer Systems Group in?
Liquifer Systems Group's product category is Space Architecture and Engineering Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMABACAI, Spacecraft Avionics, Flight Computers & Software.