Imperial researchers have contributed to a publication outlining the opportunity of materials in the space sector.
Academics from the Departments of Aeronautics and Materials were selected for publication in ‘Why Space? The Opportunity for Materials Science and Innovation’ – a position paper that highlights the growing expertise of the UK materials community aligned to opportunities in space.
Authors and collaborators hope recommendations can support UK space exploration, research and commercialisation activities across key sectors, including Life Sciences, Advanced Manufacturing, Defence and Security, Energy and Net Zero and more.
Advanced materials for hypersonic vehicles
Developing next-generation hypersonic vehicles requires innovative approaches to withstand extreme thermal loads and aerodynamic challenges. While current experimental hypersonic aircraft rely on traditional metallic airframes, future designs necessitate novel approaches and advanced materials capable of enduring high-speed flight conditions without complex cooling systems.
Research conducted by Dr Qianqian Li, Dr George Rigas and Dr Paul Bruce, combines expertise in materials development and aerodynamics modelling, with an aim to create a new class of aerodynamically smooth metallic/ceramic composite materials.
These materials aim to address disruptions in airflow near hypersonic vehicles, which can lead to excessive heat. By maintaining smooth airflow around the vehicle, the proposed materials passively control aerothermal loads.
The next phase of research involves overcoming manufacturing challenges to produce a prototype for testing in high-speed, high-temperature wind tunnels. Successful demonstrations using modelling-guided experimental design, will enable further optimisation, including the integration of nanomaterials for enhanced performance.
In being part of the multidisciplinary team, Dr Qianqian said: “Harnessing expertise across research areas is critical, as it allows us to take a comprehensive and accelerated approach to discover disruptive designs for future hypersonic vehicles.”
Enhancing Space Communication
As the number of small satellites proposed for deep-space missions increases, the challenge of amplifying faint radio signals to and from these satellites highlights the growing need for ground stations capable of detecting such weak signals.
To find a solution, Materials experts, Dr Wern Ng, Dr Michael Leverentz, Dr Daan Arroo and Professor Neil Alford, are undertaking research to develop an enhanced version of a device known as a maser. Masers act to amplify weak radio signals crucial for satellite communications.
The team aim to develop miniaturised masers capable of operating at room temperature and outside of controlled laboratory conditions. This advancement would increase the cost-effectiveness and reliability of ground station communication. Additionally, the team hope to install masers directly onto satellites, further reducing the costs associated with future space missions.
The report was collaboratively developed with input from both the Material Sciences and Space R&D communities. Support for process and production of the report was provided by Satellite Applications Catapult and UKRI-STFC.
The full report puts forward recommendations to leverage the synergy between the Space and Material communities to drive new research, innovation and translational activities – with aim of making the UK a leading global hub for space innovation.
Read the full paper: Why Space? The Opportunity for Materials Science and Innovation.
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Reporter
Ayesha Khan
Department of Aeronautics
