Refrigeration of superconducing
Refrigeration of superconducing
Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) system for controlling plasma on the surface of atmospheric re-entry spacecraft.
When a spacecraft enters the atmosphere at very high speed on Earth or elsewhere, the entry environment produces extremely high thermal loads of the order of MW/m2 on the surface of the spacecraft. This is one of the most critical phases of space missions.
Partially ionized gases then form a plasma envelope around the spacecraft, preventing the passage of radio-frequency signals and leading to a communications failure lasting an average of 5 minutes.
MEESST
MEESST
A solution based on the principles of magnetohydrodynamics
Based on an international consortium of universities, SMEs, research institutes and industry, the MEESST (MHD Enhanced Entry System for Space Transportation) project addresses the problems of entry into the atmosphere of a spacecraft by proposing an applicative solution based on the principles of magnetohydrodynamics (MHD). This technique allows influencing the dynamics of the plasma surrounding the spacecraft.
This new technology aims at :
- Providing the magnetic field needed to draw plasma away from the vessel's surface and reduce the heat flux impinging on it.
- Opening a radio window to remove the radio-frequency communication failure.
The MEESST principle will be validated experimentally and numerically by tests carried out at the Von Karman Institute (VKI, Belgium), for radio communication tests, and at the Institute for Space Systems (IRS, Germany), for thermal tests.
The aim is to significantly improve numerical prediction capabilities, thermal load mitigation and communication cut-off phenomena. Numerical simulations are based on new ray-tracing methods and improved plasma models, incorporating the impact of the magnetic field generated by the magnet.
These experimental and modeling efforts will also serve other applications such as radar imaging, surveillance and GPS navigation.
The MEESST project brings together 11 partners:
- The universities of KU Leuven, Stuttgart, Southampton, Luxembourg, the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), the Institute of Physics (Marie Curie-Skłodowska University) and the von Karman Institute of Fluid Dynamics.
- Theva Dünnschichttechnik GmbH, Advanced Engineering Design Solutions (AEDS) Ltd, Neutron Star Systems GmbH et Absolut System SAS
MEESST
A solution based on the principles of magnetohydrodynamics
Based on an international consortium of universities, SMEs, research institutes and industry, the MEESST (MHD Enhanced Entry System for Space Transportation) project addresses the problems of entry into the atmosphere of a spacecraft by proposing an applicative solution based on the principles of magnetohydrodynamics (MHD). This technique allows influencing the dynamics of the plasma surrounding the spacecraft.
This new technology aims at:
- Providing the magnetic field needed to draw plasma away from the vessel's surface and reduce the heat flux impinging on it.
- Opening a radio window to remove the radio-frequency communication failure.
The MEESST principle will be validated experimentally and numerically by tests carried out at the Von Karman Institute (VKI, Belgium), for radio communication tests, and at the Institute for Space Systems (IRS, Germany), for thermal tests.
The aim is to significantly improve numerical prediction capabilities, thermal load mitigation and communication cut-off phenomena. Numerical simulations are based on new ray-tracing methods and improved plasma models, incorporating the impact of the magnetic field generated by the magnet.
These experimental and modeling efforts will also serve other applications such as radar imaging, surveillance and GPS navigation.
The MEESST project brings together 11 partners:
- The universities of KU Leuven, Stuttgart, Southampton, Luxembourg, the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), the Institute of Physics (Marie Curie-Skłodowska University) and the von Karman Institute of Fluid Dynamics.
- Theva Dünnschichttechnik GmbH, Advanced Engineering Design Solutions (AEDS) Ltd, Neutron Star Systems GmbH et Absolut System SAS
Absolut System, a key partner providing
cryogenic expertise
Absolut System, a key partner providing cryogenic expertise
As a partner in the MEESST project, Absolut System manufactures and supplies the cooling system, based on a cryogenic circulation loop.
This system is used to cool the superconducting magnet, which is maintained at 30K to generate a magnetic field capable of repelling the plasma. Absolut System is also responsible for integrating the magnet into the cryostat.
The aim is to develop a prototype to demonstrate MEESST’s ability to :
- Lighten the thermal load around the capsule
- Overcoming radio-frequency communication problems
This prototype, inserted into the IRS plasma chambers for thermal measurements and the VKI plasma chamber for radio communication measurements, is designed to simulate the re-entry of space vehicles into the atmosphere.
