Imagine a super-light, air-filled sponge that can block extreme heat and cold. This project creates these materials to wrap around space equipment so they don't freeze or melt during a journey. It also finds ways to 3D print these materials and wrap them in protective skins to keep them clean and durable.
Current space thermal insulation (MLI) is often bulky, requires heavy secondary support structures, and relies heavily on non-EU technology, increasing costs and weight for satellite and launcher missions.
A suite of inorganic, hybrid, and carbon aerogels/xerogels and a specialized enveloping technology to protect these materials from contamination.
If you are a satellite manufacturer dealing with heavy, complex thermal blankets—this project developed aerogel solutions that allow for lighter designs by removing secondary support structures. This makes the spacecraft more competitive and easier to assemble.
If you are a launch vehicle developer dealing with extreme temperature shifts from -195.79°C to above 800°C—this project developed specialized inorganic and hybrid aerogels. These materials ensure components stay within operating ranges throughout the flight.
If you are a high-tech manufacturer dealing with the difficulty of shaping fragile insulation—this project developed additive manufacturing technologies specifically for aerogels. This enables the production of complex, custom-fit thermal shields.
Based on available project data, the technology aims to make solutions cheaper than reference solutions by reducing the need for secondary structures and rigid shields.
The project is currently in the materials development phase, with industrial partners like Ariane Group and Thales Alenia Space helping define use cases to ensure industrial competitiveness.
Based on available project data, a dissemination and exploitation plan is being prepared, but specific licensing terms are not yet disclosed.
The project develops enveloping technologies to keep aerogels intact and clean, allowing them to replace current Multi-Layer Insulation (MLI) solutions.
The project period runs from 2022-11-01 to 2026-04-30, with materials currently under development.
The consortium is heavily industry-weighted with a 55% industry ratio (6 partners), including major aerospace players like Ariane Group and Thales Alenia Space. This ensures that the research is driven by actual market needs. The balance of 2 universities and 3 research centers provides the necessary scientific depth to develop the 7 different space applications targeted.
Contact DLR (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt eV) in Germany
Contact us to connect with the ISBA consortium for early access to aerogel thermal solutions.
