Project description: The project focuses on replacing the existing structure of small satellites (weighing up to 200 kg) with thermoplastic composites. In cooperation with the Creotech Instruments company, the consortium is aiming at a reduction of project implementation time by 30% in terms of design, production and assembly. The project is coordinated by the Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute of Aviation and is being carried out at the Composite Technologies Department.
The use of thermoplastic composite technology is a novelty in applications for telecommunications satellites with a mass of up to 200kg. The project’s results will be applicable in the aerospace market (potential future ESA projects at a higher TRL) and the aviation sector.
The following tasks will be carried out as part of the project:
- Designing structural components of the satellite to enable manufacturing using thermoplastic composite technologies.
- Characterization of thermoplastic materials.
- Development of manufacturing technologies for structural elements incorporating additional features such as reinforcements and threaded inserts for instrument mounting.
- Development of joining technologies through electrofusion or ultrasonic welding.
- Building a model of the satellite structure.
- Conducting validation tests on the manufactured structure.
Project manager: Ewa Kaczorowska-Łukasik
Phone: (+ 48) 507 561 644
E-mail: ewa.kaczorowska-lukasik@ilot.lukasiewicz.gov.pl
Manager R&D: Piotr Kowalczyk
Project duration: 01.12.2022 – 31.12.2025
Funding institution: European Space Agency
Programme name: ARTES AT 4H.006 (RE-ISSUE)
Consortium: Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute of Aviation, Creotech Instruments S.A.