High-performance COPV systems for large satellite platforms
Market analysis of satcom applications has revealed that satellite service providers in Europe have a growing need for new high-performance platforms providing a satellite power of about 18 kW and a payload capability of 1 to 3 tonnes.
(Published on June 2008 – JEC Magazine #41)
The basis for such high performance can be guaranteed by an optimised propulsion system that combines maximum load capacity with a minimum structural mass. As a result, the tank systems play a key role in terms of mass and propellant expulsion efficiency. As an experienced tank designer and manufacturer, MT-Aerospace was chosen as the tank system supplier. Today MT Aerospace AG supplies approx. 10% of the hardware for the European launcher ARIANE 5 and is the most important supplier for this program outside France. The related operations and maintenance sector on site in Kourou / French Guyana is responsible for the ARIANE 5 integration and launch facilities.
The most promising tank design is based on Carbon Overwrapped Pressure Vessels (COPV) which have been successfully developed and qualified at MT Aerospace through various R&D programmes. The thin-walled titanium liner ensures leak tightness and compatibility with the propellant fluids, while the carbon overwrap provides strength and stiffness. s uses its extensive experience in the spinforming technology to manufacture the thin-walled liner (thickness < 1 mm). A Cassini-shaped design must be used due to the large volume of the currently developed tanks (2000 dm³) and the limited space envelope, which means performing a number of challenging dynamic analyses of the equatorial mounted system. The delivery of the propellant fluids to the engines under all orbital conditions is guaranteed by a Propellant Management Device (PMD) together with vanes to “collect” the fluid under low gravity conditions. A mass reduction of approximately 30% can be achieved with this design, compared to the conventional all-metal design.
