Space
Composites have been used in space since our early steps into the cosmos. Often turned to for their light weight and high strength, these materials have a history of use in spaceflight in such applications as payload fairings, satellite structures and heat shields. â–º Explore the technologies, materials and strategies used by composites manufacturers working in the evolving space market at our virtual CW Tech Days: New Space Applications. Learn more and register here!
ESSENTIAL READING
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Materials & Processes: Composites fibers and resins
Compared to legacy materials like steel, aluminum, iron and titanium, composites are still coming of age, and only just now are being better understood by design and manufacturing engineers. However, composites’ physical properties — combined with unbeatable light weight — make them undeniably attractive.
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Materials & Processes: Resin matrices for composites
The matrix binds the fiber reinforcement, gives the composite component its shape and determines its surface quality. A composite matrix may be a polymer, ceramic, metal or carbon. Here’s a guide to selection.
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Materials & Processes: Introduction
High strength at low weight remain the winning combination that propels composite materials into new arenas, but other properties are equally important. This article outlines the case for composites and introduces SourceBook's overview of the materials and processes used to make them.
Read MoreKnowledge Centers
During CW Tech Days: Thermoplastics for Large Structures, experts explored the materials and processing technologies that are enabling the transition to large-part manufacturing.
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Closed mold processes offer many advantages over open molding. This knowledge center details the basics of closed mold methods and the products and tools essential to producing a part correctly.
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Latest Space News And Updates
ORNL, Sierra Space create novel C/SiC TPS for reusable space vehicles
CMC tiles will be used on the Sierra Space DC100 Dream Chaser spaceplane carrying critical supplies and science experiments to and from NASA’s ISS.
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ESA collaboration brings Altair software to aerospace, space startups
Access to Altair simulation, AI and data analytics solutions and consulting options to ESA Partnership Initiative for Commercialisation (EPIC) organizations aims to diversify, support aerospace companies.
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Firefly Aerospace closes oversubscribed $175 million Series D raise
The end-to-end space transportation company looks to its future launch, lunar and on-orbit services and capabilities.
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Intuitive Machines debuts moon buggy for Artemis program
IM’s Moon RACER is one of three lunar terrain vehicle (LTV) designs being considered by NASA for future operations on the lunar surface.
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University of Bristol launches composite materials to space for ISS testing
Next-gen carbon fiber materials will be tested under extreme conditions for 12-18 months to determine their viability in space for use in future space bases, interplanetary travel.
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Composites support SKA Observatory radio telescope sub-reflectors
Engineering company Eosol and composites developer Compoxi work together to deliver more than 250 4.5-meter composite dishes to construct two cosmos-focused telescopes.
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Featured Posts
Composites business growth through diversification, innovation
San Diego-based 2024 Top Shops qualifier Rock West Composites gives an overview of its relentless commitment to improvement, including its composite capabilities and its role as a trusted player in the space market.
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VIDEO: Rock West's growth in the space sector
Rock West Composites’ chief strategy officer discusses recent surge in space applications on the CAMX 2024 show floor.
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Post Cure: CFRP landing leg supports reusable launcher capabilities
MT Aerospace AG, as part of the EU’s Horizon Europe project SALTO, has successfully developed a 7-meter-long carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) landing leg demonstrator using advanced automated fiber placement and 3D printing technologies.
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Low-cost, efficient CFRP anisogrid lattice structures
CIRA uses patented parallel winding, dry fiber, silicone tooling and resin infusion to cut labor for lightweight, heavily loaded space applications.
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Composites reinvent aerospace, AAM and space
Celebrating National Composites Week, CW shares ways in which composites continue to make a significant impact in aerospace and space market developments.
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Carbon fiber satellite arm reduces weight, simplifies assembly onto naval vessels
Satcom developer EM Solutions partnered with ACS Australia to replace an aluminum arm design with a 65% lighter, one-piece, corrosion-resistant carbon fiber/epoxy alternative.
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