Nottingham University funds UK firms tackling space environmental impact

Author: EIS Release Date: Oct 17, 2022

Nottingham University’s Aerospace Unlocking Potential (UP) programme has pledged £110,000 in funding to three UK businesses working to improve sustainability in the aerospace sector.

 

Nottingham University funds UK firms tackling space environmental impact

 

The three companies working to help tackle the effects of space debris or minimise the environmental impact of space operations. They are are: Holscot Fluropolymers, which specialises in the use of fluoropolymers, Space Resource Lab, specialising in propulsion systems for nanosatellites, and XCAM, which deals with CCD and CMOS-based imaging systems.

 

Aerospace UP is a £20 million programme being delivered by the University of Nottingham and the Midlands Aerospace Alliance (MAA), supported by the European Regional Development Fund and Midlands Engine. It looks to support the aerospace supply chain in the Midlands

 

The university describes the three awardees as follows:

 

Holscot Fluropolymers is working to produce FEP bladders that will line nano, micro and small satellite propulsion tanks. FEP bladders are a lighter-weight, more compatible alternative to metal tanks, which are potentially re-fillable and re-usable in orbit, in turn, this helps to minimise waste in low orbit space.

 

Space Resource Laboratory’s Project Aryabhat involves the development of a propulsion system that consists of a thruster, fuel tank and avionics control system that can be fitted into a satellite and deliver a de-orbiting solution, minimising the remains left in orbit at the end of the spacecraft’s life cycle.

 

XCAM is developing a device that allows its prototype Particulate Fall Out (PFO) monitor to detect and analyse more complex particulates. The new monitor will include the capability to use neural networks for analysis in space that will, ultimately, minimise the limitations inherent to downlinking data to Earth.

 

“At a time when the road to net zero is at the forefront of everyone’s minds,” said Professor Serhiy Bozhko, Director of the Institute for Aerospace Technology (IAT) at the University of Nottingham, it’s great to see the innovative and fascinating solutions Holscot Fluropolymers Ltd, XCAM and Space Resource Lab Ltd are creating to minimise the environmental impact of space exploration.”