Replace titanium with lighter composite material

Researchers from Bauman Technical University (Russia) have invented a new technique that allows the weight of space devices to be used to launch satellites.

Putting a satellite into orbit is a multi-stage process that consumes a lot of energy. In the first phase, missiles release satellites into a low orbit. Then mediated by another independent launcher, the satellite was pushed to the orbit.

Soyuz missiles on the ground
(Photo: HTV)

Thanks to a special method, Barman University researchers developed a solid composite that replaces titanium metal in helium fuel tanks under high pressure used in boosters. launch satellite.

From a wire-shaped spherical frame made of composite material, they created a ball with a diameter of 36cm made of epoxide.

These new fuel tanks have the same capacity as titanium containers. They can contain up to 23 liters of helium under pressure of 640 atmospher. The mass of these containers is 11.4 kg, which is 40% lighter than titanium containers.

For a geostationary satellite, a 1kg weight reduction is equivalent to saving tens of thousands of dollars.

VN