The use of Solar energy applying conversion processes based on higher temperatures (use of solar concentrators) and thermodynamic cycles (e.g. Stirling cycle) can provide high conversion efficiencies. For such process high temperature loop heat pipes (LHP) can provide efficient means to transport the heat from the solar concentrator to the thermodynamic cycle (e.g. Stirling engine).

Curing of polymers resins for CFRP composites is for the vast majority of cases stimulated through temperature, whereas the curing temperature is a trade-off between required pot-life, thermal properties, hardware compatibility, and mechanical performance. For example, a high curing temperature leads to very good thermal properties and allows long pot-life, but causes increased internal stress and distortion. Ideally the adhesive is processed as well as cured near room temperature (practically < 100?C), typically followed by a short post-cure.

The study will be focused on the prototyping of SiC MOS capacitor structures with the main goal to characterise the overall quality and stability of the gate oxide to SiC interface to gate stress as well as the radiation performances of SiC gate oxide in terms of SEE and TID testing.

Cold Spray (CS) is a revolutionary technology which can allow for the manufacturing of coatings onto engineering components in a simple and environmentally friendly manner. With the right level of automation and robotic stage design, there is the possibility that this novel technique could also produce 3D additively-manufactured components with low fly-to- buy ratios.

Stainless steels are major manufacturing materials used in spacecraft and ground support structures on applications requiring corrosion resistance including storage and handling of liquids and waste, propulsions systems, components within thermal protection systems and fasteners such as high-reliability and high strength bolts. Passivation of stainless steel has two purposes: 1) it is necessary to remove ?free iron?

Stainless steels are major manufacturing materials used in spacecraft and ground support structures on applications requiring corrosion resistance including storage and handling of liquids and waste, propulsions systems, components within thermal protection systems and fasteners such as high-reliability and high strength bolts. Passivation of stainless steel has two purposes: 1) it is necessary to remove ?free iron?

Space probes are subject to memory/communication constraints that make them unable to deliver to scientists on Earth all the data that the probe could collect.

In 2011, Europe?s Registration Evaluation Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) added hydrazine to their candidate list of substances of very high concern. With this step, there is an associated risk that REACH will make hydrazine obsolescent (restrict or prohibit its use) in the near to mid term. While ESA is pursuing possible exemptions for hydrazine for space applications, additional risk mitigation is necessary.

There is a fundamental issue in the electronic box design that the power density is increasing. In addition, system integrators prefers the dry thermal interface since it allows the unit to be dismountable. However, the thermal interface has a conductive limit where the only method of increasing the heat transfer would be to increase the surface area as well as the contact pressure and reducing the interface filler thickness.

As recognised by the Future Technology Advisory Panel report "FTAP | First Cycle, Final Report 2012", " system studies and technology developments are recommended to be undertaken to mature the concepts" for large ultra-stable deployable structures. A Working Group was established to identify needs and state of the art for "Ultra Stable Deployable Structures" for Science and Earth Observation missions, producing a white paper (TEC-SB/0063/DB, issue1) identifying a possible roadmap for a development up to TRL5.