Dr. Beat

Dr. Beat

Dr. BEAT

Astronauts are subject to a high level of physical stress in weightlessness. The continuous monitoring of important bodily functions, especially of the cardiovascular system, is therefore urgently required during the stay in space. Findings from space medicine can also be applied to the diagnosis of heart diseases, which are the most common cause of death worldwide. According to the German Federal Statistical Office, the cost of cardiovascular diseases in 2015 amounted to EUR 46.4 billion. Systems currently used for cardiac diagnostics offer only limited possibilities for monitoring high-risk patients or can only be used for inpatient treatment. The “Dr. Beat” project relies on ballistocardiography (BCG), originally developed for space, which can record actual heart function using modern, digital microelectronics.
Within the scope of the project, a high-precision and cost-effective BCG sensor system is being developed that can be worn on the body as a “wearable” and enables continuous health monitoring.
The extensive signal processing, data evaluation and diagnostics will be automated by means of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and should not only provide new insights into space medicine but also improve diagnostics and early detection of cardiological diseases in everyday life.

Benefits:

  • Cost-effective, wearable BCG sensor system including signal processing and data evaluation for diagnostics and prediction of
    cardiovascular processes
  • Comprehensive, ubiquitous, discrete and continuous cardiovascular diagnostics for risk patients on Earth and astronauts in space using AI
  • Fields of application: space medicine, terrestrial medical technology, wellness sector, safety-critical jobs (e.g. pilots, drivers)

DSI Aerospace Technologie GmbH
Bremen, Germany
Dr Ulf Kulau
ulf.kulau@dsi-as.de
dsi-as.de

QuMSeC – Quantum Memories for Secure Communication

QuMSeC – Quantum Memories for Secure Communication

QuMSeC – Quantum Memories for Secure Communication

With a turnover of USD 156.3 billion1, satellite communication is a key component of the global digital economy and is of strategic importance to government and society. The Internet, television, telephony or communication in aviation and shipping rely on highly secure satellite communication networks.
However, the encryption methods used in data transmission today are vulnerable, which poses considerable security risks for critical infrastructures in the energy, telecommunications and transport sectors, for example. Quantum communication generally provides the necessary cyber security for current and future satellite communication systems. However, this has so far been based on the assumption of complete control over the development, manufacture, launch and operation of satellites. The „QuMSeC“ project, carried out by Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Technische Universität Berlin, is intended to set new standards for secure quantum key exchange with the help of quantum storage devices, even for untrustworthy satellites. In the future, customers and users without their own satellite infrastructure should benefit from secure data communication via satellites.

1 Global Space Economy 2018 (Source: Bryce Space and Technology, 2020)

Benefits:

  • Verifiable communication security
  • Market basis for quantum communication providers
  • Enables economic exploitation of quantum communication
  • Strengthening of the German leadership role in quantum technology

Technische Universität Berlin, Einstein Center Digital Future, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Ferdinand-Braun-Institut, Leibniz-Institut für Höchstfrequenztechnik
Germany
Prof Janik Wolters, Dr Markus Krutzik
j.wolters@tu-berlin.de
m.krutzik@physik.hu-berlin.de
berlinquantum.net, physik.hu-berlin.deqt-berlin.de

MoonFibre – Spinning Technology Fibres from Lunar Rock for Direct Use on Earth’s Satellite

MoonFibre – Spinning Technology Fibres from Lunar Rock for Direct Use on Earth’s Satellite

MoonFibre – Spinning Technology Fibres from Lunar Rock for

Private and public institutions all over the world pursue one common mission: a manned station on the moon. The costs of rocket flights alone to transport such a station to the moon would be approximately EUR 1,000,000 per kilogramme. This is why numerous research teams around the world are working on solutions to use moon rock to manufacture 3D-printed structural components on-site. The MoonFibre project at RWTH Aachen University is developing a spinning system that will be able to produce fibres directly from lunar rocks. These fibres could be used not only to stabilise the 3D-printed structure of the lunar station, but also for thermal isolation, filter systems, or the textiles of astronaut suits. RWTH Aachen intends to further develop a spinning process already used in industry for basalt fibres as a compact and easily transportable system for use on the lunar surface. The spinning process is to be tested under zero gravity within an in-orbit demonstration experiment. The proof-of-concept will serve as the basis for the future on-site production of fibres and textiles on the moon.

Benefits:

  • Permanent settlements on the moon and technology transfer into space
  • Cost-effective on-site production of fibres and textiles on the lunar surface
  • Development of a robust, automated, and miniaturised spinning technology

RWTH Aachen University
Aachen, Germany
Alexander Lüking
www.ita.rwth-aachen.de
alexander.lueking@ita.rwth-aachen.de

STMF – Satellite Thermal Management with Ferrofluids

STMF – Satellite Thermal Management with Ferrofluids

STMF – Satellite Thermal Management with Ferrofluids

The thermal control system (TCS) is a critical component of satellites, one that is supposed to regulate the temperature of payloads and satellite buses under varying internal and external heat loads. Conventional TCSes use cooling fluids and mechanical pumps whose vibrations disturb payloads and sensors onboard a satellite. ZARM proposes a TCS technology based on ferrofluid cooling liquid that is pumped by magnetic fields to avoid mechanical vibrations. This TCS consists of pumping modules that are constructed from a minimum of four magnetic coils to transfer the ferrofluid. To avoid magnetic disturbances in other parts of the satellite, a μ-metal shield is placed around the pump. Since ferrofluids take on different magnetic properties when cooled or heated, permanent magnets can be employed to define prominent places where heat is absorbed. The focus lies on a scalable and modular design that can be included in a broad range of satellite missions. In particular, such missions will likely involve concepts with strongly varying thermal boundary conditions and high-precision measurements, such as for geodesy, Earth observation, or fundamental physics applications.

Benefits:

  • Decreased vibrations within the thermal control system
  • Improved noise environment
  • Scalable, flexible, modular design that can be adapted to a broad range of thermal boundary conditions

ZARM, University of Bremen
Bremen, Germany
Dr Benny Rievers
www.zarm.uni-bremen.de
Benny.Rievers@zarm.uni-bremen.de

SmartSpace – A Module for Global IoT Cloud Service Operations

SmartSpace – A Module for Global IoT Cloud Service Operations

Existing cellular network infrastructure is not sufficient for the widespread use of Internet of Things (IoT) applications outside metropolitan areas. A functional data connection forms part of the core of any IoT application.
Currently, transmitting data to IoT devices via satellites is uneconomical and complex because the devices are designed with a small form factor (i.e. small antennas), which facilitates low-power consumption and minimal data throughput. The SmartSpace concept provides for dedicated communication modules on the ground and in the space segment to enable data collection and transmission. Within this concept, SmartSpace modules serve as a data collector for multiple IoT devices and their applications and relay the collected data via a superior satellite backbone network. It is no longer necessary to operate a dedicated ground station, the intermediate SmartSpace network acts as a connecting link. This will facilitate the use of SmartSpace in remote areas and large infrastructures.

Benefits:

  • Enable terrestrial and space-borne IoT applications
  • Cloud-based monitoring and control for satellites
  • Big data analytics for small satellite missions and turnkey CubeSat operations
  • Terrestrial SmartSpace network to grow incrementally via new module launches

TU Braunschweig – Institute of Space Systems
Braunschweig, Germany
Prof Dr Enrico Stoll
www.space-systems.eu
e.stoll@tu-braunschweig.de

IRON Software
Munich, Germany
Christian Kendi
ksh@ironsoftware.de

Wall#E

Wall#E Image

Wall#E: Fibre-Reinforced Spacecraft Walls for Storing Energy

Wall#E Image

The idea behind Wall#E involves integrating energy storage functions into the support structures of spacecraft, which will significantly reduce the mass and volume of satellites without sacrificing performance. To this end, Wall#E utilises fibre-reinforced structures (which enjoy more and more popularity in aerospace engineering) infiltrated with innovative solid-state battery materials. While this project’s initial focus is on satellites, the underlying concept can easily be adapted to launch systems, space stations, and ground-based e-mobility applications.

Benefits:

  • Reduced satellite mass
  • Simpler, more compact constructions
  • Lower costs of development/launch
Enrico Stoll

TU Braunschweig – Institute of Space Systems
Brunswick, Germany
Prof Dr-Ing Enrico Stoll
www.space-systems.eu
e.stoll@tu-bs.de

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Infused Thermal Solutions

infused thermal solutions

Infused Thermal Solutions

infused thermal solutions

Technical components in space are often exposed to fluctuating temperatures, which can lead to degraded performances or reduced lifetimes. Infused Thermal Solutions (ITS) is an innovative concept to passively stabilize the temperature of thermo-elastic spacecraft components. This idea combines known concepts of phase change materials (PCM) with modern manufacturing techniques (3D printing). The phase change materials are embedded inside custom-printed, double-walled component structures, offering a standalone solution.

Benefits:

  • Temperature stabilisation
  • Reduced thermo-elastic deformations
  • Increased component lifetimes
  • Creation of complex lightweight “bionic” structures
  • Cost reduction
  • Technology transfer (spin-off), e.g. in the automotive industry
finalist

Fachhochschule Aachen
Aachen, Germany
Prof Dr Markus Czupalla
www.fh-aachen.de
czupalla@fh-aachen.de

infused thermal solutions

SUMSENS – Structure-Borne Ultrasonic Multi-Hop Sensor Network for the Temperature Monitoring of Satellites

sumsens

SUMSENS – Structure-Borne Ultrasonic Multi-Hop Sensor Network for the Temperature Monitoring of Satellites

sumsens

The mechanical and thermal integrity of spacecraft will be crucial for future space missions lasting months, years, or even longer. Traditionally, wired sensors are used to measure all relevant parameters. SUMSENS offers the integration of a holistic wireless sensor network using the satellite structure itself for communication, in order to provide in-situ monitoring of the mechanical and thermal subsystem status. The SUMSENS sensor network consists of smart temperature sensor nodes, communicating among themselves via structure-borne ultrasonic waves. The core of each sensor node is a microcontroller platform providing all required data operations.
SUMSENS integrates Augmented Reality (AR) to support visual system integration, monitoring and maintenance. The technology can be transferred from space to ground transportation.

Benefits:

  • Wireless sensor network instead of heavy, space-consuming network infrastructure consisting of cable clutter
  • Cost reduction due to flexible installation, easy expandability, low energy consumption and reduction of communication traffic
  • Reliable, fail-safe network architectures
  • Modularity, allowing flexible installation
  • High-level structural integration
finalist picture

Fraunhofer LBF
Darmstadt, Germany
Dr Torsten Bartel
www.lbf.fraunhofer.de
torsten.bartel@lbf.fraunhofer.de

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Silent Running – Intrinsic Structural Vibration Reduction for Carrier Rockets Using Metamaterials

silent running

Silent Running – Intrinsic Structural Vibration Reduction for Carrier Rockets Using Metamaterials

silent running

When launching and flying a rocket, vibrations must be reduced to such an extent that they do not cause damage to the payload and structure. In the “Silent Running” project, MT Aerospace and Fraunhofer LBF are using carbon-fibre-reinforced plastics (CFRP) with metamaterials, in order to reduce the vibrations that affect on the payload and structure during acceleration. Metamaterials combine the benefits of active and passive vibration reduction and are used, in the automotive industry, amongst others. “Silent Running” specifically targets to minimise vibrations in the upper stages of future Ariane carrier rockets. The innovative vibration dampers should be integrated into the load-bearing structure of the carrier rockets, so that the heavy damping elements conventionally used are no longer required.

Benefits:

  • Efficient rocket stages and complex payloads with longer service lives by minimising vibrations in the stage structures
  • Efficient rocket stages and complex payloads with longer service lives by minimising vibrations in the stage structures
  • Transporting of satellites with effective payloads and thus improved payload/cost ratio per launch
  • Spin-off into the automotive, aerospace and shipping industries
Sara Perfetto

Fraunhofer LBF
Darmstadt, Germany
Sara Perfetto
www.lbf.fraunhofer.de
sara.perfetto@lbf.fraunhofer.de

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Multifunctional lightweight structures for satellites

Multifunctional lightweight structures for satellites

Multifunctional lightweight structures for satellites

Multifunctional lightweight structures for satellites

Conventional satellite design separately considers functional, structural and protective requirements. Subsystems are not integrated into the primary structure, but applied at a later production stage.

  • Project aim: disruptive innovation in satellite design
  • Integration of functions into load-carrying structural parts (communication, thermal management, vibration control, diagnosis)
  • Concurrent optimisation of structural and functional properties with respect to mass and production processes
  • Validation by a demonstrator

 Fraunhofer Institute for Structural Durability and System Reliability LBF
Dr Dirk Mayer
dirk.mayer@lbf.fraunholer.de

RWfH Aachen University
Dr Athanasios Dafnis
dafnis@sla.rwth-aachen.de