October 2022 Composites Blog
October 14, 2022
The ESA's Use of Nanocomposites to Improve Satellites
The European Space Agency (ESA) recently joined forces with Greece based Adamant Composites to run a series of joint projects. These projects have the goal of improving the ESA's satellite materials to produce satellites that are more reliable and stronger against the harsh conditions of space. In the aerospace industry it is well known that composites are a great option because they are strong yet very light weight. These attributes can sometimes give them an edge over more traditionally used metal parts. But that isn't to say that composites are superior in every way because in fact they also have a few drawbacks. These drawbacks mainly involve lower thermal and electrical conductivity. The ESA looks to improve these issues with the help of Adamant composites. They will start by attempting to add graphene and other 2D materials on a nano-enabling basis to satellite panels which they hope will improve the panel's thermal and electrical performance. Learn more here.
October 31, 2022
Beyond Gravity Partners with ULA and Amazon on Kuiper Satellite Project
Beyond Gravity Partners with ULA and Amazon on Kuiper Satellite Project
Aerospace Company Beyond Gravity (formerly RUAG Space) was recently awarded a major contract for the development and fabrication of the dispenser system for Amazon's planned satellite constellation. This project known as project Kuiper has the goal of delivering affordable broadband internet connections around the world. The Kuiper satellite constellation will consist of more than 3,000 satellites that will sit at low earth's orbit. Now ULA has also contracted beyond Gravity for the delivery of 38 shipsets for their Vulkan rockets which will launch Amazon's satellites into orbit. These shipsets are composed of three composite structures including a payload fairing, a heat shield and an interstage adapter, all of which are important in the launching of the satellites. Beyond Gravity is well known for the reliability of their cutting-edge composite structures which have been tested and proven on other projects. Learn more here.
