ElevationSpace Corporation and Toyota Industries Corporation will begin joint development of heat-resistant materials to be used in the atmospheric re-entry system when a space demonstration vehicle returns to Earth. ElevationSpace is the first private company in Japan to tackle atmospheric re-entry and recovery technology to bring materials researched and developed in space back to Earth. In this joint development project, Toyota Industries will utilize its carbon fiber 3D weaving technology to research and develop lightweight, low-wear, low-cost heat-resistant materials that can withstand the high temperature environment during atmospheric re-entry.
As the market for private-sector-led space businesses expands, atmospheric re-entry and return technology is an essential infrastructure for space activities, and further evolution is expected. In particular, high-performance thermal protection technology is required because the re-entry vehicle is subjected to severe thermal loads during atmospheric re-entry and return. Although the thermal loads on each part during atmospheric re-entry are different, the thermal protection technology currently in practical use generally involves fitting the entire re-entry vehicle with materials and thicknesses appropriate for the maximum thermal load, and the increased weight of the thermal protection system due to overdesign is a major obstacle to weight reduction.
Also Read: ispace-US, Redwire Partner on Commercial Lunar Missions
Toyota Industries Corporation has been developing high-value-added 3D textile technology using carbon fiber for the automotive, aerospace and space industries, utilizing the weaving and spinning technology cultivated in its original textile machinery business. Taking advantage of the design freedom that is a feature of 3D textiles, we will develop a lightweight, low-wear heat-resistant material by weaving at an optimal density according to the thermal load on each part of the atmospheric re-entry vehicle. The reduction in weight will contribute to reducing the overall cost of launching a rocket, and the reduced wear during atmospheric re-entry is expected to improve the accuracy of predicting the impact point on Earth.
SOURCE: PRTimes
