WS.VIII

NEW SPACE

September 23

WORKSHOP COMMITTEE:

Marco DI CLEMENTE, ASI
Ennio CAPRIA, ESRF

Aerospace is definitely one of the fields where the impact of innovation is the most important. This is the direct consequence of the need for excellence related to the extreme conditions of operation, the very demanding specifications, the complexity of the equipment and the need for high level of reliability (very low rates of failure). In this section we will present and discuss two of the key technologies for the so-called “: New Space”: a) the use of COTS (components on the shelf) in electronic systems for space applications; b) the extensive use of metallic parts made by additive manufacturing for aerospace.

The New Space denomination indicates a change of paradigm within the business model of the space industry, characterised by a continued democratisation of space technology. This is mainly achieved with a constant decrease of the cost of the launching and of the satellite constellations and a consequent growing need for components with novel functionalities at lower costs. In this configuration the interest for COTS, i.e. components that are not especially conceived to operate in harsh radiative environments (RadHard), is growing considerably. As a consequence, the fact of properly characterising and understanding the limitations and the performance of standard components in a radiation environment gains momentum, with respect to the intention to design specific components dedicated for space. In this kind of perspective, the development of novel testing methodologies and the possibility to have access to opportune nuclear physics facilities to carry on some testing campaigns become strategic. A complete picture around this topic will be provided in the first part of the workshop.

Complementary to the aspects related to embedded electronics, the advanced manufacturing is another topic of primary importance for the future of the race for space. In this respect, Additive Manufacturing (AM) is the absolute game changer. AM offers the possibility to obtain unique shapes that can implement outstanding mechanical performances with reduced weight. Furthermore, AM is ideal when small series of pieces with very high added value are conceived, and when a continuous product development is envisaged. For these reasons, the second part of the workshop will be dedicated to the AM of metallic parts. The challenges related with the manufacturing will be discussed, but also the characterisation methodologies.