South East Technological University (SETU) lecturer in aerospace engineering, Dr Mark Wylie, and SETU postgraduate researcher, Theeba Shafeeg, were delighted to witness the launch of NASA’s SpaceX’s 31st commercial resupply services mission from the Kennedy Space Center at approximately 2:30am GMT on 5 November.
The mission includes studies of solar wind, a radiation-tolerant moss, spacecraft materials, and a cold-welding experiment for space applications. Contributions have been made from an international team of researchers, with SETU’s Dr Wylie and Ms Shafeeg working on the cold-welding experimental payload as part of the ASTROBEAT project; a project financed by Xjenza Malta through the Space Upstream Programme.
ASTROBEAT marks the first investigation of the cold-welding phenomenon for use in spacecraft hull repair following a hypervelocity impact by space debris or micrometeorite. This morning’s launch saw an experimental test rig being sent for testing and qualification, at TRL 6, on the International Space Station (Bishop Module) for a 3-month period. Astrobeat investigates the use of cold welding to repair perforations in the outer shell or hull of a spacecraft from the inside.
Some micrometeoroids and space debris traveling at hyper velocities could perforate the outer surfaces of spacecraft, possibly jeopardizing mission success or crew safety. The ability to repair impact damage from inside a spacecraft may be more efficient and safer for crew members. The project will also improve knowledge about the range of applications of cold-welding for terrestrial uses as well.
SETU’s Dr Mark Wylie, lecturer in aerospace engineering with postgraduate researcher, Theeba Shafeeg.
Both Dr Wylie and Ms Shafeeg, through their collaboration with Dr Leonardo Barilaro of Malta College of Arts, Science & Technology (MCAST), worked on the mechanical design of the cold-welding experiment. This 1U payload will remotely actuate several spring-loaded chambers to yield material samples into one another. A novel method to measure the weld onset using a custom milli-ohm meter will be tested. Embedded cameras will also monitor the experiment.
Speaking about the importance of the research, Dr Wylie commented, “This is a paradigm shift in the way space engineers and agencies will view cold-welding. It was considered as a detrimental effect of the space environment, causing unwanted fusion and locking of deployable mechanisms. Instead, this new approach exploits this low temperature fusion phenomenon for spacecraft repair.”
Dr Wylie continued, “This is a momentous occasion for SETU to have contributed to a pan-European project that will both further specialist knowledge in this field but also demonstrates the design, manufacturing, and qualification of an open-source experimental payload that can be developed into other space bound materials experiments by others. I was delighted for Theeba to get an opportunity to demonstrate her research in-situ at such an early stage. It will provide a unique opportunity to gather data in the space environment.”
Theeba Shafeeg, whose research calculations are being employed in the project, said, “I’m very grateful to my supervisor, Dr Mark Wylie, for the opportunity to contribute to the ASTROBEAT project. This project forms a chapter of my ongoing PhD research on ‘An Investigation into Cold-welding in the Space Environment’ here at SETU. It is exciting to see the research develop into a real-world project within the space industry and it’s been an incredible experience overall.”
The SETU and MCAST teams will also collaborate with the Centre of Studies and Activities for Space (CISAS) “G. Colombo” of the University of Padova and the Skyup Academy, Italy, for the second phase of this research project. Moreover, MCAST started a prestigious collaboration with NYU Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), facilitated by H.E. Ambassador of Malta in UAE, Madam Maria Camilleri Calleja.
