Demisable Structures

In line with ESA‘s Zero Debris Charter, we contribute to the advancement of space safety and sustainability by supporting our customers with solutions that ensure a safe re-entry, especially in the case of an uncontrolled descent. 

Applications

Early break-up of primary structures and (external) payloads, suitable for small, medium, and large satellite platforms, to allow demise during uncontrolled re-entry.

Demisable Inserts:

• direct replacement for standard inserts in sandwich panels, 

• designed for use in demise critical locations, such as (outer) sandwich panel-to-panel or panel-to-payload joints

Demisable Anchor Nuts:

• direct replacement for standard anchor nuts in brackets, cleats, or isogrid structures made of CFRP or metal 

• suitable for use in primary, tertiary, or instrument structures at demise critical locations

Demisable Brackets and Cleats:

• demisable brackets for primary/tertiary structure joints or (external) payload applications, designed for minimal system impact

• customizable to various interfaces, loads, and thermo-mechanical requirements

• various demise solutions available backed by material and structural demise test heritage

Key features

• Applicable for CFRP and Aluminium Primary and Tertiary Structures

• Demise Altitude Customizable, > 105 km achieved with demisable inserts (1000 kg demonstrator use case)

• Demise Technologies/Solutions: Demisable Inserts, Demisable Anchor Nuts, Demisable CFRP Brackets, Custom Solutions

• TRL: up to 6

• Cleanliness: ISO 8 Conditions

  Function: 

• Demisable Inserts: release of the bolted connection at a defined temperature and load

• Demisable Anchor Nuts: release of the bolted connection at a defined temperature and load

• Demisable Brackets and Cleats: release of connection and demise of the component itself at release temperature and load

Customization

• One-to-one replacement of standard inserts with demisable inserts for application in sandwich panels. Available for various interface types

• One-to-one replacement of standard anchor nuts with demisable anchor nuts for application in CFRP or metal primary or tertiary structures. Available for various  interface types

• Customizable demisable CFRP brackets for tertiary structure or external payload applications

• Custom demise solutions available for specific applications or mission needs based on a broad demise test heritage for materials and structures

Manufacturing

Interfaces:

Demisable Inserts: M4, M5, M6, M8 Threads, Through hole, available as Edge / Floating (Surface) / (Through) Spool Insert
Demisable Anchor Nuts: M4, M5, M6 Threads 
Demisable Brackets and Cleats: Through hole with customisable hole pattern

Dimensions and Mass Impact:

Demisable Inserts: + 20 – 40 % increase to the standard design
Demisable Anchor Nuts: + 80 % increase to the standard design
Demisable Brackets and Cleats: + 20 % increase to the standard design