Automated fibre placement

It’s not all metal though – carbon-fibre reinforced-plastic offers new shapes that are lighter and stronger. Built in layers, the Phoebus project is exploring the use of carbon-fibre tanks for Ariane 6.

Here MT Aerospace is integrating new laser sensor technology that, powered by machine learning models, will detect and classify defects on the fly, which keeps production going and shortens production times significantly.

“Artificial intelligence, such as machine learning, in combination with new digital technologies is transforming launcher manufacturing,” says Daniel Chipping ESA project manager for software-centred and digitalisation activities at the Future Launchers Preparatory Programme in Space Transportation, “from automating complex analysis tasks to reducing tedious machine stop-starts, we are starting to see the benefits across all materials and shaping processes.”

These projects are part of ESA’s Future Launchers Preparatory Programme (FLPP), that helps develop the technology for future for space transportation systems. By conceiving, designing and investing in technology that doesn’t exist yet, this programme is reducing the risk entailed in developing untried and unproven projects for space.