Innovative Low-Mass Tanks for a Low-Cost European Micro-Launch Vehicle

Projektinformationen

OrbEx

ID Finanzhilfevereinbarung: 761964

DOI

10.3030/761964

Projekt abgeschlossen

EK-Unterschriftsdatum 22 Januar 2017

Startdatum 1 Februar 2017

Enddatum 31 Juli 2017

Finanziert unter

• INDUSTRIAL LEADERSHIP - Leadership in enabling and industrial technologies – Space

Gesamtkosten

€ 71 429,00

EU-Beitrag

€ 50 000,00

Koordiniert durch

ORBITAL EXPRESS LAUNCH LIMITED
United Kingdom

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - OrbEx (Innovative Low-Mass Tanks for a Low-Cost European Micro-Launch Vehicle)

Berichtszeitraum: 2017-02-01 bis 2017-07-31

Zusammenfassung vom Kontext und den Gesamtzielen des Projekts

Orbex is constructing a two-stage-to-orbit vertical micro-launch vehicle named Prime. Prime will use a new kind of coaxial tank solution to reduce vehicle mass by as much as 30% over traditional designs.

The objectives of this SME Instrument Phase 1 feasibility study were to build on prototyping of this innovative concept, to explore the feasibility of realizing the tank concept using composite materials.

We assessed whether:-

• this project is technically possible, without requiring export-controlled technology from overseas, using European materials suppliers and EU partners;

• how it could be implemented in subsequent development and volume production steps leading to a highly differentiated, low cost, micro-launcher capable of launch from mainland Europe.

Arbeit, die ab Beginn des Projekts bis zum Ende des durch den Bericht erfassten Berichtszeitraums geleistet wurde, und die wichtigsten bis dahin erzielten Ergebnisse

We identified candidate materials and identified two potential EU-based material suppliers, beginning dialogues with both.

We entered into more advanced discussion with one supplier, under NDA, to select materials to support prototyping.

In parallel we identified a prototype manufacturing partner in the UK, and we intend to proceed to a demonstration article with this partner.

We intend to apply for an SME Instrument Phase 2 award to support this activity.

Fortschritte, die über den aktuellen Stand der Technik hinausgehen und voraussichtliche potenzielle Auswirkungen (einschließlich der bis dato erzielten sozioökonomischen Auswirkungen und weiter gefassten gesellschaftlichen Auswirkungen des Projekts)

This project has helped us find new partners with the skills and expertise to help us realize our core design capabilities within Europe.

This allows the development of a unique new technical capability in Europe, which is currently patent pending, and which opens options for a range of new patents flowing from this core IPR.

This will allow a lower cost access to space from mainland Europe, and the development of a small satellite launch industry generating around €1.1B in Economic benefits over the decade 2020-2030.

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