Multi Functional Structures aim at integrating the typically separated functions of several spacecraft sub-systems into the structure sub-system. They promise lower mass, larger volume available for payload and shown the potential for lower overall cost and shorter production times. The MFP activity aims at developing the technologies required, at manufacturing an Engineering Qualification Model (EQM) of a Multi Functional Panel of a large spacecraft and carrying out its preliminary qualification.
Space Structures provides the following structures, thermal, testing and system engineering services:
In the current approaches and practices for reliability assessment emphasis is given to the electronic elements of a system (EEE Parts). Moreover, when addressing the reliability of mechanical parts, the models and assumptions typically used for the reliability assessment of electronic systems and parts (e.g. constant failure rates throughout the useful life of the system/part) have a limited validity. The objective of the study was to define the most suitable methods to analyse and assess the reliability of mechanical systems and parts and to provide methods and procedures for reliability verification by testing. The results of the study will be used by ESA as input for the development of a "handbook on reliability assessment of mechanical systems and parts".
Space Structures provided the following system engineering services:
For decades the industry standard in struts was composite tubes with metal end fittings. Struts attachment fittings have been very difficult to manufacture with lightweight FRP (fibre reinforced
polymer) materials due to limitations of the FRP manufacturing technologies. State-of-the-art is therefore a CFRP/GFRP tube with bonded metallic fittings. The struts developped by Space Structures will
be a true innovation. They will be manufactured as an integral single piece including the fittings - everything in CFRP! - Virtually any geometry is possible.
This project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 650018 (Phase 1) and No 696376 (Phase 2).
For more details about the product please refer to our products section.
Space Structures is responsible for the following aspects of the project:
The ELSA-CS project explores ways to make deployable solar arrays for CubeSats more effective and powerful.
The resulting, innovative concept should be scalable for different satellite classes and set new standards in the potential energy production for CubeSats. Furthermore, ELSA-CS should also enable missions at greater distances to the earth and the sun. ELSA-CS will be very light yet stable thanks to modern manufacturing processes and high-tech materials. At the end of the project, a laboratory model of a 4-fold deployable solar array for a 6U CubeSat will be built and tested.
This project was co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
