Demonstrator of Carbon anisogrid payload adapter
| Programme: | TRP Workplan | Achieved TRL: | 6 |
| Reference: | T420-303MS | Closure: | 2016 |
| Contractor(s): | EADS Casa Espacio (ES), Componeering (FI), AAC (AT) | ||
Lattice technology for large carbon structure is not available in “western” Europe.
Lattice technology offers significant gain in mass, while exhibiting tremendous strength capability.
Objectives
Demonstration of lattice technology encompassing manufacturing processes, design, manufacturing and full scale test, of a VEGA adapter.
Achievements and status
A lot of attention was drawn to the technology definition/justification, covering node design and transition areas. A large amount of testing has been performing, on “simple” samples until fully representative cylindrical demonstrator(s).
These tests were successful, and allowed identifying critical design parameters, and validate the main design features for the final full scale VEGA adapter.
As an illustration of load capability of such structure, the cylindrical demonstrator(s) (fully representative of the lower part of the final VEGA adapter) have demonstrated a tremendous load capability of 96t, while weighting less than 10kg !
Benefits
Lower mass compared to conventional CFRP structure, and offering additional advantages for (future) satellite application (stable structure, no openings needed for harness/piping, …).
