From October 4-10, we joined the global celebration of World Space Week, highlighting the essential role space exploration plays in advancing technology and addressing global challenges.

At CRM Group, we are steadily carving out our place in the highly specialized aerospace sector. Our efforts focus on the development of new materials for space applications, from design to finishing and implementation. One of our recent achievements includes our contribution to Ariane 6, where we developed Phase Change Material (PCM) systems for thermal management, showcasing our growing expertise in this field.

As part of this week, we also took the opportunity to sit down with Nicolas Nutal, Program Manager at CRM Group, to gain further insights into our aerospace work. Nicolas shared how CRM Group has gradually established itself in the space sector:

- What is your role and what does your work involve?
“I am Program Manager at CRM Group, responsible for activities related to aerospace. My job involves establishing connections with new potential partners and preparing new research projects in this field.”

- Why did you choose to work in this field?
“I didn’t specifically choose to work in aerospace, but you could say that it's more or less the field that chose me. My diverse research projects at CRM Group led me to collaborate with the European Space Agency - ESA. It's been around ten years now that CRM has entered the space domain, and these projects have become my passion and source of motivation.”

- How does CRM Group position itself in the aerospace sector?
“CRM mainly focuses on developing new materials for space applications, including material development, finishing, and implementation. Some of our terrestrial research projects could also have space applications, and we expect our research themes to expand in the coming years.”

- What are the future prospects for CRM Group in this field?
“Through continuous efforts, CRM has secured a place in the highly competitive space sector. Starting with a small project, we now have several people working full-time in this area. There is potential for further growth, particularly by targeting international activities and capitalizing on concepts developed in studies for ESA.”

In addition to our aerospace advancements, some of our research projects originally developed for terrestrial applications are finding a place in the space industry, further enhancing innovation and efficiency.

As we push forward in aerospace, we remain committed to the fight against climate change. Through our decarbonization efforts and our role in promoting the circular economy, we firmly believe that innovations for space can lead to a more sustainable future for Earth.

At CRM Group, we’re excited to explore new frontiers while ensuring a positive impact on our planet. Together, we can build a brighter future for space exploration and a more sustainable world

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!