NCC’s all-composite Type V tank demonstrates future composite space tank technology

摘要

The National Composites Centre (NCC, Bristol, U.K.), with industry guidance from aerospace manufacturer Thales Alenia Space (Cannes, France), has manufactured an allcomposites linerless (Type V) tank demonstrator under the SpaceTank project. It is said to be representative of those used for launch vehicle and satellite propellant tanks, delivering an estimated weight savings of 30% compared to conventional metallic propellant tanks in use. The NCC has demonstrated this to engage U.K. interest in the manufacture of composite tanks for future space propulsion needs. According to the NCC, this showcase project demonstrates how advanced composites technology can play a vital role on future engineered structures in space propulsion by reducing the structural weight of the tank and lowering satellite launch costs.