Spotlight: Lilly Etzenbach Aviation Week's 20 Twenties Winner 2026
Lilly Etzenbach is a 2026 20 Twenties winner and a graduate student at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where she is completing her M.S. in Astronautics, Class of 2026. She earned her B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley, Class of 2024. Her groundbreaking research focuses on transforming the economics of space access through innovative reusability frameworks for launch systems.
Etzenbach addresses one of the aerospace industry's most pressing challenges: reducing refurbishment costs for reusable launch systems without compromising reliability. Her master's thesis develops a comprehensive analytical framework that integrates engine subsystem performance analysis, vehicle-level trade studies, and cost modeling to optimize reuse strategies for liquid propellant rocket engines. Her award-winning research introduces sophisticated sensor placement algorithms that enable nonintrusive health monitoring and predictive maintenance capabilities, demonstrating that strategically calibrated refurbishment approaches can significantly extend engine operational life. Her work represents a major advancement in sustainable space transportation architecture. At MaiaSpace, Europe's first reusable launcher company, she contributed to critical mission design elements, defining recovery flight sequences, conducting failure mode analyses, and developing attitude control systems for next-generation reusable vehicles.
Etzenbach joined the University of California, Berkeley's rocketry team as one of only four women among 50 members and went on to become the team's first female president, growing participation fourfold and fostering a more inclusive engineering community. Her leadership transformed the organization's culture while maintaining technical excellence.
She is committed to continuing her work advancing reusability-focused systems engineering in launch vehicles and aims to drive the next generation of cost-effective, sustainable space access solutions.
