Project description
Groundbreaking use of aerogels in thermal insulation for the space sector
Space satellites and launch vehicles require thermal insulation to keep them at optimal operating temperatures for the duration of their missions. Current multi-layer insulation (MLI) systems used in space are bulky and require complex manufacturing and assembly. The EU-funded ISBA project proposes a disruptive technology based on aerogels’ exceptional thermal insulating properties. In collaboration with industry partners and researchers, it will develop aerogels suited for space applications, considering extreme temperature variations, additive manufacturing and coating technologies, enhanced cleanliness and market competitiveness with emerging MLI alternatives. The results will provide a highly competitive solution to thermal insulation for space vehicles that is cost-effective, clean, compact and easy to produce and assemble.
Objective
The need for thermal insulation pertaining to space applications, e.g. satellites and launch vehicles, demands the requirement for the components of the satellite or launch vehicles to remain within the operating temperature range throughout the life of the satellite or the course of the journey. The project ISBA proposes to develop a disruptive technology through seven different applications in the space sector, based on aerogels or xerogels which will be used as a new thermal insulation solution in order to make it competitive, clean, compact, easier to produce and assembly. In the specific domain of space, the impact of the project will enable an amplified profit at product level, allowing to design new concepts, way lighter, by avoiding secondary structures for maintaining MLI layout or rigid shield, and cheaper than the reference solutions. The technology thus assembled will guarantee a level of cleanliness compatible with the level of requirements of space applications, which will be one of focal points of ground-breaking developments. Thus, the overall objectives of the project can be summarized as follows: (i) Develop aerogel/xerogel-based solutions for cryogenic, moderate and high temperature space applications, (ii) implement additive manufacturing technologies specifically for aerogels in space applications, (iii) develop coating-technologies on aerogels/xerogels for operating in space environments, (iv) improve cleanliness of aerogels by developing enveloping technologies tailored for aerogels, (v) enhance industrial competitiveness of aerogel/xerogel solutions in space, and (vi) present EU-efficient alternatives to the current MLI solutions, thus reducing dependency on US technologies. To achieve these objectives, a consortium of three major end-user industry partners from EU, five major research and development centers focusing on aerogels, ceramics, and coatings, and one industry partner experienced in packaging technologies is established.
Fields of science
- engineering and technologymechanical engineeringvehicle engineeringaerospace engineeringsatellite technology
- engineering and technologymaterials engineeringcoating and films
- engineering and technologymechanical engineeringmanufacturing engineeringadditive manufacturing
- engineering and technologymaterials engineeringceramics
Programme(s)
Topic(s)
Funding Scheme
HORIZON-RIA - HORIZON Research and Innovation ActionsCoordinator
51147 Koln
Germany