AERSUS

Aerogel European Supplying Unit for Space Applications

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The main purpose of this project is to create an European Supplying Unit for one of the Critical Space Technologies for Europoean Strategic Non-Dependence, the advanced thermal control materials. Currently, the thermal protection of the hardware of spacecrafts is assured by underlying advanced thermal control materials, typically Multi Layer Insulations (MLI). One of the basic materials for MLI, the Kapton, is used in several thermal control applications and easily falls under access restrictions. In this project it is intended to develope the manufacturing technology for the material that is considered to be the next generation of thermal insulation in space, the aerogel. Aerogels are the materials with the greater potential to substitute MLI in thermal insulation of spacecrafts, due to its very low density, its veryt high thermal insulation efficiencies, the providing of the thermal insulation as single material that can be industrially producible and the tailorability for different applications. The combination of the know-how of the entities involved in the proposal, which cover the research and development of aerogels at a laboratory scale, the design and construction of semi-industrial equipments for aerogels manufacture, and the design, integration and qualification of thermal insulation materials inspace applications, will create tremendous synergies to put Europe in a front position as a supplier of the material that is likely to be the future of the thermal insulation in space. The collaborative efforts of the partners, which have already been working in the development of these systems in the last few years, is expected to allow establishing in Europe on a shor-term the required technical capabilities to supply aerogels for space applications, such as (re)-entry vehicles, Mars rovers, cryogenic propulsion tanks, or pressurised compartments.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Despite their fragility and lack of density, silica gel-based aerogels have outstanding acoustic, electrical and thermal insulation capacity. EU-funded researchers are applying this new nanomaterial to the next generation of thermal insulation for space applications.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Aerogels are manufactured by removing the liquid from silica-based gels, resulting in a material that is more than 90 % air. The porous structure of this nanomaterial with extremely small pore size and intricate pore geometry makes it difficult for heat to pass through. As a result, aerogels are an excellent thermal insulator, ideal for the protection of hardware on spacecraft.

This nanomaterial can improve the thermal protection of spacecraft which is currently supplied by multi-layer insulation (MLI). The basic materials for MLI, Kapton and Mylar, are procured by non-European companies. To reduce dependence on sources outside Europe, the 'Aerogel European supplying unit for space applications' (http://web.spi.pt/aersus/ (AERSUS)) project is developing the technology needed to tailor aerogels for the harsh environment of space.

The AERSUS project brought together nine partners from across Europe with know-how in the synthesis of aerogels as well as in the construction of industrial equipment for their manufacture. In the first reporting period, they reviewed methods for the aerogel synthesis. Together with the findings of a market study on end-users needs, these preparatory activities helped establish the engineering specifications.

The next step was to synthesise in the laboratory different kinds of aerogels, including organically modified silica-based aerogels and hybrid organic/inorganic silica aerogels. Their thermal conductivity was tested and benchmarked against thermal insulation materials currently used for space applications. Lastly, equipment for the fabrication of aerogels at industrial scale were designed and constructed.

The joint efforts and close cooperation of AERSUS project partners will help put Europe in a leading position as supplier of aerogels for the space market. Aerogels adapted to the requirements of planetary rovers, propellant tanks and pressurised compartments could replace MLI blankets currently used for thermal protection. However, applications are also probablein the construction sector for the thermal insulation of buildings.