Development of a Superconductor-Based Thermostatic Switch for Space Missions****

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

This Engage project is aimed at the development of a novel type of thermostatic switch, dedicated for use in unmanned spacecraft for lunar missions and applicable in a wide range of space missions. The cryogenic nature of space and lunar environments requires electronic switching that is passively controlled by the varying temperature experienced by the spacecraft. This technical requirement is a prevalent challenge for space missions, particularly in terms of reducing payload size and thus mission cost. Canadensys Aerospace Corporation is an aerospace company specializing in space mission development and in the R&D of technologies used in small-to-medium sized spacecraft. Our project goal is the design and demonstration of a prototype switch that operates at prescribed temperatures (in the range of -130C to -150C). Our approach is to exploit the high and tunable superconducting transition temperatures of copper-oxide superconductors, and build an electromechanical switching device based the superconducting diamagnetism. If successfully developed, this novel type of thermostatic switch can be commercialized by Canadensys into a niche product for the space industry, with crucial technological benefits for space missions in general.************