All telecommunications satellite radiators are typically covered with a low solar absorptance and a high infrared emittance coating. Because of the high emittance value, the satellite requires more power/battery for heating during eclipse. A tuneable infrared emittance coating can decrease it during an eclipse and can contribute indirectly to a reduction of the battery mass. A low absorptance coating minimises the solar heat load on the radiator and consequently its size and mass.

New L2 missions like Euclid and Plato will require high data rate reception in K-Band downlink (26 GHz). A new X/K-Band coaxial feed system was developed in a previous TRP activity and it will be deployed in the next years in DSA2 (Cebreros, Spain) and DSA3 (Malargue, Argentina). This feed system architecture will be considered the starting point for the re-design of a new feed system that will allow simultaneous uplink (22 GHz) and downlink (26 GHz).It is intended to trade-off at least two alternative feed system architectures and to perform the detailed design of the selected one.

This activity proposes to implement a reference model for computer simulation of storage of H2 which takes into account the role of molecular excited states. Different materials will be studied as possible candidates (intermetallic compounds, hydrides, organic liquids, nanotubes) in accordance with the existing practice in industrial applications or proposing alternative materials.

Glass cells are typically used in Frequency Standard, both as reference cell, in the lamps for atomic pumping and as dissociator bulbs.When used in a lamp (RAFS or Mercury ion trap), the cell must be sufficiently resilient for avoiding limitations in the lifetime due to diffusion of material (i.e. Rubidium or Mercury) inside the bulb walls, given the combination of dissociation mechanisms and high temperatures.

Currently the size limit for primary mirrors of large telescopes is - due to the available Ariane-5 fairing - typically at 3.5m (Herschel). Future science (and most likely also Earth observation missions) will call for larger telescope sizes due to more demanding requirements on the light collecting efficiency and angular resolution.

The activity consists in the development of a voltage clamp integrated circuit to be used in power conversion and distribution architectures based on Point of Load (or linear) regulators. Such functions are currently based on discrete whit corresponding drawbacks and limitations.

During the manufacturing of large structures such as launch vehicles, spacecraft, and propellant storage systems, it is often necessary to add external features such as brackets during the manufacturing process. Depending on the material used for the structure, features such as brackets can be attached using traditional techniques such as TIG welding. However during conventional fusion welding, there is always a danger that distortion can occur, or that the poor weldability of the material can result in a significant loss in mechanical performance or weld integrity.