Solvay to supply advanced composites, adhesives for space exploration

 

Solvay (Alpharetta, Ga., U.S.) and space propulsion company Avio SpA (Rome, Italy) have signed a long-term agreement for the supply of composite and adhesive materials to be used across a range of programs including the Vega space programs, the European Space Agency’s (ESA) satellite launch vehicles designed to send payloads into low-Earth orbit (LEO).

Solvay will supply Avio with ablative material, resin transfer molding (RTM) resins and adhesives. Solvay notes that it has a strong legacy in the space market — its products have been used across many space launch programs over the years due to their ability to withstand the extremely high temperatures produced by rocket motor exhaust. Ablative materials are just one example, which have been applied to several space applications from nozzles to exit cones.

Alternately, Avio has more than 50 years of history designing, developing, producing and integrating space launchers to place institutional, governmental and commercial payloads in LEO through its Vega rocket family.

“We are excited to extend our partnership with industry leader Avio and continue to support Vega-critical missions,” says Carmelo Lo Faro, president of Solvay’s Materials Segment. “We are all currently seeing renewed enthusiasm and investment in the global space race and we believe that our advanced materials will be key enablers for space exploration, space tourism and also the launch placement of satellite constellations. We helped put the first man on the moon and will be there for the first woman on Mars.”

Sergio Colabucci, Avio procurement director adds that the long-term agreement secures the supply of strategic products for its Vega family launchers in upcoming years.