Speaker
Description
With the number of LEO satellites also increases the need for a demisable tanks in case of an uncontrolled reentry. Simulations have shown that it is not enough to only melt the aluminum liner during the reentry if market relevant tank sizes of around 40L and 150bar operating pressure are considered. The composite of the vessel must degrade to a high extent so that an impact to ground does not harm people and their belongings. The challenges hereby are the decomposition of the matrix and ablation of the carbon fibers, especially in an oxygen poor surrounding. Within the ESA ARTES program, PEAK has worked on the development and testing of such systems. This presentation gives a short overview of the development path and challenges, including historical setbacks as well as planned work on the path to a demisable Type 3 COPV.
