ATG Europe has developed and patented a new manufacturing process that allows for substantial mass and cost savings for space and launch vehicle applications.
By using unidirectional prepregs from Toray Advanced Composites, ATG Europe has developed a grid-stiffened and lattice composite structure. This structure is made up of continuous carbon fiber tows assembled in an overlapping lattice pattern.
Appropriate application of this architecture will have beneficial effects on a range of applications, including the central cylinders of spacecraft - the core structural component of a satellite.
This particular structure has been manufactured using the Toray Advanced Composites RS-36 epoxy prepreg system while using Toray M55J high modulus fiber for unidirectional reinforcement.
ATG’s new structure has already established itself as an ideal material for space applications, thanks to its impressive performance whilst ensuring that the component possesses the required material outgassing characteristics.
Grid-stiffened and lattice architecture offers a range of benefits:
- Extremely lightweight whilst maintaining high performance
- Can provide up to 30% more mass reduction than sandwich structures
- 30% reduction in part cost
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ATG Europe and Toray Advanced Composites
ATG Europe is an established leader in aerospace composite solutions. The company has ongoing development projects for launcher and spacecraft structures.
Toray Advanced Composites has a space flight heritage spanning over 25 years, making it an undisputed leader in the development and manufacture of reliable, cutting-edge materials for the space market.
Products from Toray Advanced Composites can be found on the majority of spacecraft, satellites, and planetary rovers launched in the Western world. No other materials company is able to offer such a distinct combination of experience, pedigree, and wide-ranging product knowledge.
This information has been sourced, reviewed, and adapted from materials provided by Toray Advanced Composites.
For more information on this source, please visit Toray Advanced Composites.