Speakers
Description
Future small satellite missions are increasingly constrained by mass, cost, and environmental considerations, while simultaneously demanding higher performance and extended operational lifetimes.
High-aspect-ratio (HAR) satellite represent a novel and innovative design and offer significant potential for mass savings with enhanced performance. Due to the larger surface area, the versatility
and performance can be enhanced, and the efficiency regarding satellite stackability can increase
the launch vehicle use [1]. They impose new structural, thermal, and material challenges that must be addressed early in the design phase. This contribution presents HAR satellite design benefits for
future missions and a sustainability-driven approach to material selection. In our current research
activities, FOTEC and Wood K plus address environmental challenges following the rapidly growing satellite industry. The GLOW project focuses on Green Low-Earth Orbit Woodcraft for small
satellites, e.g. HAR satellites. State-of-the-art satellites release considerable amounts of aluminum
oxide particles into the stratosphere during reentry and may impact atmospheric chemistry. In addition, in the upcoming years thousands of satellites will add up the traffic in space. With the aim
of reducing re-entry emissions, the consortium investigates on sustainable, advanced and robust
material solutions. The engineered wood-based structures promise a lower environmental footprint
and a nearly complete burning during reentry leaving minimal residues. They are selected via material and mission requirements such as mechanical properties, outgassing behavior and compatibility with space environmental conditions, especially during re-entry of a satellite. Sustainability
aspects are assessed across the material life cycle, covering raw material sourcing, manufacturing
processes and performing multiple tests with different wood samples. As wood experts, the team
from Wood K plus is selecting the most promising wood materials based on the requirements given
by the aerospace team from FOTEC. Within a trade-off the most suitable wood material types are
selected and afterwards characterized. Within this contribution, HAR satellites will be introduced as
an innovative concept, first test results with wood-based materials will be shown as well as potential
materials for structural satellite manufacturing.