The CRM Group is proud to be onboard the successful maiden flight of Ariane 6 rocket. This landmark event, which took place at 16:00 local time (20:00 BST, 21:00 CEST) from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana, marks a new era in European space transportation, but also for the CRM Group!

In collaboration with Walopt, and supported by the European Space Agency (ESA), the CRM Group has developed innovative thermal management systems to be flown on the Ariane 6 rocket. Using phase change material (PCM) technology, these advanced damping units are designed to store and release heat efficiently. This weight saving solution ensures the optimal performance and longevity of electronic components.

About the PCM Damping Units

The development process involved rigorous studies on the selection of the phase change material and manufacturing solutions, but also testing and qualification of critical properties such as burst pressure or even long term cycling and radiation resistance. The resulting units are now a ready-to-integrate solution for satellites and launchers such as ESA's YPSAT.

We can also say that these PCM damping units involved extensive research and rigorous testing. Key aspects of the development process included:

• Material Selection: Careful studies were conducted to identify the most suitable phase change materials, which are crucial for the efficient thermal management of space-bound electronics.
• Manufacturing Solutions: Advanced manufacturing techniques were employed to create the damping units, ensuring high precision and reliability.
• Testing and Qualification: The units underwent thorough testing to validate critical properties such as burst pressure, long-term cycling durability, and resistance to radiation. These tests confirmed the robustness and effectiveness of the PCM technology under the harsh conditions of space.

The resulting units are now ready-to-integrate solutions, enhancing the robustness and reliability of ESA's YPSAT and other satellite and launcher systems.

Ariane 6: Europe’s Flagship Rocket

Ariane 6 is set to become Europe’s flagship rocket, providing increased payload capacity and flexibility compared to its predecessor, Ariane 5. This inaugural flight is a testament to the collaborative efforts of the European space industry and its dedication to advancing space exploration and satellite deployment capabilities.

Conclusion

We are proud to see our technology contribute to the success of the Ariane 6 mission. This achievement represents a significant step forward in our ongoing efforts to diversify our activities and develop innovative solutions for the aerospace industry.

We'll be back very soon with an article dedicated to our PCM units!