Speaker
Description
Thales Alenia Space in the UK (TASitUK) is playing a key role in the development of sustainable space missions systems in Europe through involvement in key IOS missions and studies focused on Propulsion.
TASitUK is contributing to multiple projects involving refuelling systems to understand the best system designs for propellant transfer between spacecraft including operational constraints, as well as determining key equipment developments and their driving requirements.A flagship project for refuelling is the design and development work on the Lunar View bipropellant transfer subsystem (BTS) which refuels the NASA Gateway Station’s propulsion system in the Power and Propulsion Element (PPE) module. The subsystem is capable of delivering MON-3 and MMH bipropellant from the Lunar View tanks and transferring bipropellant delivery from a future tanker mission. A joint simulant test campaign designated ERM-1, has been successfully completed between NASA, TASitUK, TASF & ESA. This was a major goal in the de-risking of refuelling operations for the Lunar Gateway and test campaign follow-up, ERM-2, is in development. TASitUK developed an internal fluidic breadboarding capability with the relevant GSE and test hardware to support future refuelling system developments.
TASitUK is in parallel involved in the early phase definition of multiple IOS relevant studies, mainly focused around the refuelling system design. TASitUK is working as the refuelling & electric propulsion partner supporting the development of Astroscale UK COSMIC platform for the UKSA Active Debris Removal study. In the course of these studies, TASitUK has defining the refuelling & electric propulsion architecture, including the development of a simulant breadboard test campaign implementing the lessons learnt from the Lunar View ERM-1 test campaign further building TASitUK's fluidic test lab capability. TASitUK is also involved in two follow-on UKSA ADR Studies focusing on design of an active refuelling servicer to service with UK ADR mission.
TASitUK is also working with the TAS France Study focused on future LEO Zero Debris Platforms analysing the impact of the future ESA Zero Debris Guidelines on the Propulsion Subsystem for demisability, controlled re-entry & system resilience.
TASitUK supports conceptual technology development studies with various partners, including providing refuelling and propulsion expertise as well as investigating critical equipment in support of Refuelling & Zero Debris.
TASitUK is looking ahead to the widespread adaptation of Refuellable & Zero Debris Propulsion Subsystems, determining the requirements and drivers for future designs implementing measures to increase platform capability and support space sustainability.
