Carbon composite technology to reduce satellite mass
Cost can be a huge barrier for Australian companies to reach low Earth orbit (LEO), with payloads billed per kilogram of weight by launch providers. At the same time, structures need to be robust to survive launch and operations in the extreme and harsh temperature environments of space.
The next iLAuNCH Trailblazer project aims to reduce weight in satellites through the additive manufacturing of lightweight and thermally stable composite structures that will ultimately save on the cost to access space.
Teaming up with The Australian National University and industry partner New Frontier Technologies, this Trailblazer project will develop a material solution based on carbon fibre.
“This first Materials and Processing commercialisation project will develop protective coatings for carbon composite components that will be deployed in space environments for long durations,” said iLAuNCH Trailblazer Executive Director, Darin Lovett.
“We are developing world-class sovereign manufacturing capability that is cost competitive and utilises the latest advancements in materials; vital for realising the full potential of an Australian space manufacturing industry.”
In LEO, spacecraft are exposed to a range of environmental hazards that can damage their structural integrity, including UV irradiation, atomic oxygen, high energy particles, and space debris.
These environmental hazards can cause surface erosion, cracking, and delamination of composite materials, which can lead to a reduction in the mechanical properties of the material and can compromise the structural integrity of the spacecraft.
The project will leverage material research capacity in the Research School of Physics at the Australian National University; including nanomaterials fabrication and characterisation, x-ray computed tomography (CT) imaging, and space testing capability at the Australian Advanced Instrumentation Centre (AITC) at Mt. Stromlo.
“The target applications are satellite structures such as struts, booms and reflectors. The primary aim of the project is the development and validation of carbon-fibre/thermoplastic composite structures for these applications with coatings that provide improved radiation shielding and resistance to atomic oxygen degradation,” said New Frontier Technologies Director and CEO, Paul Compston.
“We will develop coating application methods that are compatible with our automated composites manufacturing technology to produce structures that are lightweight, to help to reduce launch costs, and have added protection once deployed in the harsh space environment.”
The coatings will be based on nanomaterial technology developed using the expertise of ANU.
“We are pleased to partner with New Frontier Technologies,” said the Australian National University’s Research School of Physics, Professor Patrick Kluth.
“We will use our expertise in nanomaterial science and characterisation capabilities to develop and optimise robust coatings that meet performance requirements for space applications.”
“The strength to weight ratio of these materials will allow a substantial reduction in mass which is a fantastic benefit to space applications,” said New Frontier Technologies Director and CEO, Paul Compston.
This activity will demonstrate innovative nanomaterial technology, novel designs for increased structural efficiency and rapid precision manufacturing of satellite components with a huge cost benefit to decreases in weight while maintaining technical performance.
About iLAuNCH:
The Australian Government is building new research capabilities, driving commercialisation outcomes and investing in new industry engagement opportunities through the Department of Education’s Trailblazer Universities Program.
The Innovative Launch, Automation, Novel Materials, Communications and Hypersonics (iLAuNCH) Trailblazer is a $180 million program to transform Australia’s competitiveness by rapidly commercialising University research through industry partnerships. Our efforts directly enhance Australia’s burgeoning space industry.
Through this federal program, iLAuNCH will receive $50 million of investment over 4 years, alongside a further $130 million from universities (University of Southern Queensland, The Australian National University, and the University of South Australia), industry partners, and CSIRO. The net economic benefit of the $180 million investment is expected to be $3.6 billion by 2040.
About New Frontier Technologies:
New Frontier Technologies designs, manufactures and tests complex components for high-performance applications, specialising in space, aerospace and defence.
Based in the Momentum Industry Hub, a start-up incubator at The Australian National University, New Frontier Technologies has access to some of the most advanced 3D scanning technology and simulation. They can take any component or design and test it against specific criteria, helping customers refine carbon composites and minimise waste. Their advanced manufacturing methods achieve unmatched precision, producing high performance carbon composites designed for purpose – ensuring materials and structures meet highly demanding performance requirements.
Image Caption: (Left) New Frontier Technologies Director and CEO, Paul Compston; (Right) the Australian National University’s Research School of Physics, Professor Patrick Kluth with the new Space Irradiation Beamline at the Research School of Physics Heavy Ion Accelerator Facility (HIAF).
You can create a free technological watch and keep you updated about all these subjects.
