Key Takeaways
- Teledyne Labtech is leading the ATMS project to improve thermal management in space electronics.
- Collaboration with Bangor University aims to enhance synthetic graphite’s heat conduction and radiation.
- The project could allow satellite microprocessors to operate at higher capacities, boosting spacecraft efficiency.
Innovative Thermal Management for Space Electronics
Teledyne Labtech, a frontrunner in advanced electronic PCB solutions, is leading a groundbreaking initiative called Advanced Thermal Management for Space Electronics (ATMS). This project, in collaboration with Bangor University and supported by Airbus Endeavr—a partnership between Airbus and the Welsh Government—aims to address critical challenges in spacecraft design, specifically managing excess heat in the vacuum of space.
John Priday, Chief Technical Officer at Teledyne Labtech, highlighted the limitations of traditional air-based cooling methods in space, stating, “In space, traditional cooling methods that are reliant on air circulation simply don’t work.” The ATMS project is focused on developing scalable, lightweight circuit board technology utilizing synthetic graphite, a promising alternative to copper for heat conduction. Copper’s heaviness can hinder performance, while synthetic graphite could provide a more efficient solution.
Bangor University’s role involves enhancing synthetic graphite’s thermal radiation properties using ultrafast laser technology to create microscopic textures on the material’s surface. This innovation aims to significantly improve the material’s ability to emit thermal radiation, which is crucial for spacecraft functioning. The ability to radiate heat efficiently is essential as many satellite microprocessors currently operate at only around 50% of their potential due to overheating concerns. The ATMS project has the potential to resolve this thermal bottleneck, enabling higher processing speeds and more powerful spacecraft systems.
Jak Bridges, Sales Manager at Teledyne Labtech, expressed confidence in the partnership with Bangor University, noting, “We firmly believe that in our partnership, we’ve found the key to developing this transformative technology.” The project benefits from the support of Airbus and the Welsh Government, facilitating its realization.
The ATMS project is set to continue until late 2026, culminating in prototype demonstrations that will showcase the technology’s potential for future space missions. This endeavor not only holds promise for the aerospace sector but also positions both Teledyne Labtech and Bangor University as key players in pioneering advanced solutions for the next generation of space technologies.
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