Speakers
Description
Using exothermic reactions to control space platform fragmentation during reentry is one of the concepts of the design-for-demise global framework. Currently, thermite reactions are considered good candidates for this application. Despite a few positive proof-of-concept tests, technology maturation is needed to understand efficacy, benefits, and viability for a solid industrial application. These aspects are all addressed by the project THREAD (Thermite reactions assisting satellite demise), an EIC-financed research and innovation action involving nine European partners from academy, SME, research centers, and space industry. The project targets the development of solutions to embed thermites in satellite platforms, in a 42-months-long collaborative activity. New thermite-based materials will be formulated, and performance and survivability to environmental stress will be characterized according to a cradle to grave perspective. Engineering and reentry models will be developed and validated thanks to several plasma wind tunnel test campaigns. Finally, assessment of potential technological and industrial exploitation gives the future perspective of this innovation.
This presentation shows the current development status of the project, after one year of activity. First, the discussion will describe the T4D concept, including advantages and drawbacks and potential application methods. The initial perspective of the team will be described. Then, achievements will be described, with specific emphasis on thermite-based structural materials. Key requirements, compaction methods, ignition, and combustion properties will be discussed. Some of the proposed solutions demonstrated to be safe and easy to handle, resilient to stress from transportation, inert under typical satellite operating temperature range, and capable of delivering intense heat, once they are heated to conditions compatible with reentry aero-thermal environment.