MERIT – Disruptive Propulsion System for Microsatellites

MERIT - OHB Challenge 2018/2019 2nd Place

MERIT – Disruptive Propulsion System for Microsatellites

Miniaturised satellites have become increasingly common in recent years. In order to enable different mission scenarios, satellite platforms as small as CubeSats require propulsion systems that are small, versatile, costeffective, and reliable. Since existing propulsion systems are too expensive and lack intense development and physical comprehension, T4i started MERIT, a project that aims to upgrade their own REGULUS propulsion system in terms of cost and performance. Based on helicon plasma technology, it also leverages a modular approach, non-aerospace supply chains, and smart adoption of additive technologies. MERIT’s main target customers include small-satellite (up to150 kg) platform manufacturers. T4i plans not only to provide the propulsion system to be integrated into satellites, but to become a potential partner as well. Its technology will also be exploited in other fields, such as medical and industrial applications and in the development of smart plasma antennas.

Benefits:

Increased profitability and efficiency through the functionality of the satellite platform
Easy integration of the REGULUS propulsion system into satellite platforms
Better performance and cost reductions of up to 83%
Reliable and versatile propulsion system thanks to helicon plasma technology

T4i
Padua, Italy
Prof Dr Daniele Pavarin
d.pavarin@t4innovation.com
www.t4innovation.com

26. June 201919. November 2020

PCM-Polymer Compound – Novel Material for Thermal Stabilisation of Component Systems

Spacecraft components are constantly subjected to thermal variations. To avoid overheating or undercooling of these components, ESDA-Axiotherm GmbH is developing a phase-change material (PCM) polymer compound for the thermal stabilisation of space components and systems. The PCM polymer compound features a high capacity for absorbing accumulating amounts of heat and releases the heat energy into the system during an undercooling period in order to stabilise the temperature. This material will prevent temperature peaks and produce a smoothed temperature curve. Its unique feature is a mix of materials that remains gelatinous when melted. The compound is leak-proof and well-suited to processing. Furthermore, it is possible to use additives to make permanent, stable modifications to properties such as thermal conductivity, fire protection, and radiation resistance. In particular, batteries (and by extension, the field of e-mobility) should benefit from this life-prolonging technology.

Benefits:

Effective smoothing of temperature peaks and reduced thermo-mechanical stress
Increased useful life of batteries and electronic components, plus increased operational safety
Low mass, high capacity & directly applicable to all battery sectors (automotive/maritime/aviation)

ESDA/Axiotherm GmbH
Eisenberg, Germany
Dirk Büttner
www.axiotherm.de
dirk.buettner@axiotherm.de

12. December 201828. January 2019

PVT-GAMERS – “Improved Pressure-Volume-Temperature Gauging” Method for Electric Propulsion Systems

PVT-GAMERS – “Improved Pressure-Volume-Temperature Gauging” Method for Electric Propulsion Systems

In the new era of electric propulsion, where propellant tanks are larger and missions are longer, the accuracy of classic mass retrieval methods has become obsolete. The knowledge of the exact amount of remaining propellant is critical for optimising a spacecraft’s lifespan. A team from Luleå University of Technology has developed the “Improved Pressure-Volume-Temperature Gauging” Method. This method uses existing technology readiness levels (TRL 9) sensing technologies and it improves the physical modelling of the available propellant as well as the accuracy of the classic Pressure-Volume-Temperature (PVT) retrieval techniques. Thanks to smart use of the spacecraft’s telemetry, its implementation will help spacecraft propulsion systems providers, spacecraft operators, telecommunication companies, and space agencies to increase the lifespan of space missions.

Benefits:

More accurate gauging of spacecraft propellant mass
Technology scalable to any propellant tank size
Extension of the lifespan of space missions and their profitability
Low-cost implementation using the existing spacecraft telemetry systems
Propellant control system as a transferable technology to any one-phase pressurised vessel in any sector

Luleå University of Technology (LTU)
Luleå, Sweden
Prof Dr María-Paz
www.atmospheres.research.ltu.se
maria-paz.zorzano.mier@ltu.se

12. December 201828. January 2019

Biocontroller – Platform Technology for the Improvement of Microbes Applied in Space Missions

Microbes are a ticking time bomb for long-term space missions. Microbes evolve thousands of times faster than humans and, in space, they are no longer kept in check by the inexhaustible diversity of the Earth’s biosphere. Regulating the evolution of microbes is crucial to prevent microbes from evolving in undesired directions and becoming tremendous threats to human health. The OPE Group’s expertise lies in controlling the evolution of microbes. For this purpose, OPE designed innovative bioreactors and developed IoT-enabled hardware and software to train microbes to be beneficial to space travellers. The technology allows in-situ resource utilization and resource recovery during deep space missions.

Benefits:

Cost-effective support of human life on spacecraft
In-situ resource utilisation and resource recovery during deep space missions to produce clean water, food, fuel, soil fertilisers, chemicals, medicines and a large variety of other materials
Stable and robust foundation for new ecosystems on celestial bodies to foster population
Reinforcing the space travellers’ microbiome for disease prevention and well-being

OPE Group
Heemstede, The Netherlands
Mathijs Martens
www.ope-group.org
martens@ope-group.org

Category: OHB