Clean & Green in Space

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There is a growing demand for space based services including data, navigation and earth-observation. This requires more satellites and consequentially more launchers.The UK is targeting 10% of the world space market revenues by 2030 worth around £40Bn at todays values. To support this the UK Government is investing significant sums to establish a world leading space propulsion system design and test capability. This aims to ensure that the UK is the prime location for space propulsion development and consequentially propulsion system manufacture. Additionally this will ensure that UK satellite manufacturers as well as small launcher manufacturers have access to the most advanced propulsion systems.The need for higher performance and larger numbers of satellites has created increased competition worldwide driving a need for competitive costs as well as performance in all systems including propulsion. This in turn is leading to greater demand for new suppliers capable of providing innovative solutions which challenge the incumbent technologies for both cost and performance.At the same time satellites performance is increasing with much smaller satellites capable of delivering commercially viable solutions and hence revenues for operators. This requires smaller tank solutions and higher production rates which again drives a need for innovation in manufacture and assembly.A final driver which influences this project is the need for safer, less environmentally damaging propellants for launchers and satellites. The risks associated with current propellants lead to very high costs. Green/safe to handle propellants have been developed and need new optimised tank materials and designs to ensure they are commercially viable and reliable.TISICS proposal aims to develop a novel diaphragm design coupled to a new tank fixing which is significantly lighter, cheaper to produce and easier to install reducing cost and lead times for satellite primes. This also enables TISICS to build an investment case for a UK tank production facility which generates high tech jobs and potential export revenues. UK satellite producers can work closely with TISICS and its supply chain to rapidly optimise and deliver tanks to meet their satellite and small launcher needs without reliance on imported technology with potential export controls and restrictions.TISICS vision and motivation is to respond to this market needs by delivering cost competitive future green-propellant tanks. This will get the UK space industry at the forefront of the future space market creating a UK supply-chain and jobs, and reducing dependence and costs associated with imports.