Implemented OSIP ideas — June 2022
ESA's Open Space Innovation Platform (OSIP) seeks novel ideas for new space research activities. Campaigns and Channels invite solutions to specific problems or ideas on more general topics, with those run by Discovery & Preparation, including the Open Discovery Ideas Channel, specifically looking for ideas that could be implemented as system studies, early technology developments, or PhD or postdoc research co-funded by ESA and a university.
In June 2022, the following ideas were implemented through the Open Discovery Ideas Channel.
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Tracing the geology of exoplanets
University of Cambridge
This co-funded research project proposes a unique method to probe the composition and geology of exoplanets, involving observing small chunks of planetary material in the spectra of white dwarfs; this will reveal the composition of the planetary material. The results will be used to refine the goals of future ESA exoplanet missions, including guiding the sensitivity and detection limits to be reached, and providing a list of the most valuable exoplanet systems to observe.
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An insect bioreactor for increased circularisation of ECLSS economy
Crytur
It is difficult and expensive to take oxygen, water and food to the ISS, but also to bring back astronaut waste. This early technology development project aims to address both problems by developing a bioreactor prototype that uses cockroaches to process matter generated in space – including astronaut faeces and biowaste. The bioreactor turns this waste matter into water and fertiliser.
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Humanitarian monitoring with Copernicus satellites
ETH Zurich
Read more about this public idea in OSIP
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Earth radiation belts observation using lunar synchrotron radiation imaging
ONERA
Read more about this public idea in OSIP
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Intercontinental Radar bIstatic System (IRIS)
University of Strathclyde
Space situational awareness (SSA) involves watching for objects and natural phenomena in space that could harm satellites in orbit or infrastructure on Earth. One SSA technique involves using ground-based radar systems to send out radio waves and measure their reflection off of potentially harmful objects. This co-funded research project will investigate whether these radar systems could be combined with passive radio telescopes that also measure the reflections of radio waves sent out by the radar system, resulting in multiple observations of an object, and therefore improving SSA.
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Simple fibre-optic strain sensor based on phase measurement for monitoring preload in critical bolted joints
XPANSE Sp. z o.o
Bolts on spacecraft can come under a lot of pressure during launch and in space, but it is vital that they don't fail. This early technology development project aims to develop a system that measures the force on a bolt through an optical fibre that is built into the bolt. The project will use a specific type of optical fibre (high birefringence) that will reduce costs, simplify data collection and could easily be adapted to space applications.
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Improving satellite propellant gauging accuracy with high accuracy optical pressure sensors and ultrafast optoelectronics
Centre de Technologie Physique et Photonique de Montréal
Unlike cars, we can't currently refuel satellites when levels are running low. The more accurately we know how much fuel remains in a satellite's tank, the longer we can continue to operate the satellite, as we can retire it closer to the moment that it runs out of fuel. This early technology development project will explore how we can use fibre optics to measure satellite propellant levels more accurately, and therefore extend satellite lifetimes.
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Short-wave infrared high-power laser for long-distance satellite communication based on a compact laser system using Ho:YAG thin disk emitting in the 2.1 μm wavelength region
JPSI
Current communication with satellites over long distances uses lasers working at frequencies below 1.6 micrometres. This early technology development project proposes to build the core of a new laser communication system running at a frequency of 2.1 micrometres for more stable, high-speed communication with satellites, which is also safe for eyes.
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Miniaturised all optical ultracold atom source for quantum sensors in space
Institut d'Optique Graduate School
A technique called 'atom interferometry' could be useful in future space missions for Earth observation and fundamental physics. This co-funded research project aims to develop a new technique to generate a source of atoms for atom interferometry. The new technique could be an improvement on the current technique, including being more efficient and faster.
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Anisotropy corrections and evapotranspiration determination for thermal infrared satellite imaging
Vlaamse Instelling voor Technologisch Onderzoek (VITO)
Read more about this public idea in OSIP
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Control of smart reflectarray antennas for Earth observation and high data-rate communications
University of Porto
Flatter, smarter and cheaper 'reflectarrays' are becoming an interesting option to replace the traditional curved, bulky antenna reflectors on satellites. This co-funded research project will investigate a wirelessly controllable reflectarry that can be steered. It will aim to answer the question of whether the wireless control of a reflectarray antenna can lead to a friendlier antenna design and better ratio between an Earth observation antenna gain and its volume before deployment.
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Data-driven aErothermal and thermomeChanical mOdelling for Destructive re-Entry (DECODE)
University of Strathclyde
When a satellite reaches the end of its life, it is vital that it comes back down to Earth safely. Making predictions about this 're-entry' phase is important for space sustainability, but very difficult. It involves modelling aerothermodynamics, structural and flight dynamics, and the breaking up of a satellite. And existing accurate simulation methods cost a lot of time and effort. This co-funded research project aims to develop accurate simulations of re-entry scenarios without the high costs.
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Vibrations as a novel tool for particle self-assembly and regolith vibro-fluidisation in space environments
University of Strathclyde
Assembling and transporting particles is useful for various space applications, for example transporting lunar and martian soil for mining, to study geology, and establish habitats on the Moon or Mars. However, the soils are difficult to handle because they are made of abrasive and reactive materials. This co-funded research project will explore novel strategies to handle particles based on 'vibrations'. In microgravity – such as on the International Space Station – vibrations could be used to control the dynamics of solid particles dispersed in a liquid, forcing them to self-organise and form specific three-dimensional complex structures. In the presence of gravity – such as on the surface of Moon – vibrations could be used to force regolith to behave as a ‘fluid’, making it easier to transport and use.
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Commercial use of ESA's inventions
The following ideas were implemented through the Campaign for ideas for the commercial use of ESA's inventions.
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COBRA Compact Ka-Band OMT for Tx/Rx MFB antennas illuminating a single reflector
Airbus Defence and Space
Airbus has developed a combined Tx/Rx feed system to be implemented in an MFB-cluster in the frame of the Ka Band User Feed (KaUF) programme. Using the orthomode transducer ESA invention will enhance the feed and antenna portfolio and satisfy the needs for modern telecommunication satellites.
Novel manufacturing techniques, such as additive layer manufacturing, metal powder application or diffusion welding will be investigated to reduce the physical dimensions of the feed system as much as possible. The combination of the ESA invention with novel manufacturing techniques results in pitch to pitch distances of about 25mm and enables the use of a feed cluster for a combined Tx/Rx MFB solution with one single reflector.
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Dual-Polarisation four-way Power Divider (DPPD)
Airbus Defence and Space
The number of antennas installed on satellites is increasing. As a result, there is a shift in satellite communications that requires more compact and efficiently integrated microwave components. Because of the limited space on spacecraft, for C- and X-band and active antenna feed clusters, size and weight are critical factors for accommodating antennas.
This Airbus project will use an ESA patent that enables a significant reduction in length and mass while maintaining electrical performance. Replacing commonly used global horns with the Dual-Polarization Four-Way Power Divider antenna concept will save length by more than a factor of two and mass by approximately a factor of four. This more compact and simpler solution is adaptable to larger arrays and the current Ku- and Ka-band active antenna developments with cluster spacing in the range of three to four wavelengths and passive arrays will benefit from this technology.
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