Graphene in Space: A New Milestone for SmartIR and Graphene Commercialisation
Starting the new year with an out-of-this-world achievement, we鈥檙e pleased to announce that our partner SmartIR, based in the University of Manchester鈥檚 Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre (GEIC), will launch Mission 2.0 aboard SpaceX鈥檚 Falcon 9 on Tuesday 12th January. This mission, integrating SmartIR鈥檚 graphene-enabled adaptive radiator into a pico-satellite, marks another significant step toward revolutionising satellite technology鈥攁 true 鈥渓ift-off鈥� for graphene commercialisation.
In 2023, SmartIR successfully launched Mission 1, which sent their adaptive radiators to the edge of space, kickstarting their space validation programme. Building on this achievement, they are now delivering on an ambitious plan for four Low Earth Orbit (LEO) missions in 2025.
Leading satellite manufacturers, Hydra Space Systems and Alba Orbital, have collaborated with SmartIR on this pioneering project. While both Hydra Space and Alba Orbital specialise in satellite manufacturing, the operation of the satellite will be managed by Hydra Space Systems. This mission aims to test the graphene-based radiator in LEO, demonstrating its durability in the operational environment of space conditions and validating its ability to withstand the extreme rigours of launch.
鈥淭his is another key milestone for graphene commercialisation, and what could be more exciting than graphene in space! It鈥檚 a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation taking place here in Manchester to solve some of the toughest challenges in the most extreme environments.鈥�
A leap forward in satellite thermal control
The graphene adaptive radiator has the potential to transform satellite thermal management by significantly reducing mass and power requirements. This innovation offers cost savings for manufacturers, integrators, operators, and launch providers while maintaining optimal performance in the harsh environment of space.
Margherita Sepioni, CEO of SmartIR, expressed her enthusiasm for this mission: 鈥淭his is the most exciting technology I鈥檝e worked on in my career! Harnessing graphene to solve real challenges in space is not just thrilling鈥攊t鈥檚 a groundbreaking path for technology validation. By reducing mass and power requirements, we can revolutionise satellite thermal control, dramatically cutting costs for manufacturers, integrators, operators, and launch providers alike.鈥�
鈥淪martIR鈥檚 groundbreaking technology is poised to revolutionise satellite design by drastically reducing weight, boosting efficiency, extending operational lifespans and so reducing space debris,鈥� said Dr. Pietro Steiner, Product Development Manager at SmartIR. 鈥淭his launch represents a pivotal opportunity to validate, in real-space conditions, the extensive environmental tests we have conducted on the ground. The data collected will provide critical insights to further enhance our device鈥檚 resilience and performance.鈥�
Mission goals and collaborative innovation
This mission represents SmartIR鈥檚 second major milestone, following the successful integration of their graphene adaptive radiator. The pico-satellite will test a real LEO duty cycle, evaluate the radiator鈥檚 performance, and collect valuable data to further advance its Technology Readiness Level (TRL) from 4.5 to 6.
SmartIR鈥檚 partnership with Hydra Space and Alba Orbital highlights the growing ecosystem of innovation in the space sector. Hydra Space manufactured the satellite and integrated SmartIR鈥檚
payload, ensuring seamless operations. Alba Orbital, a key player in the West of Scotland鈥檚 regional Space Cluster, acted as the launch broker and integrated the satellite into their deployer, the AlbaPod, facilitating its deployment into orbit.
Join us for the launch
The launch of Mission 2 represents a thrilling moment for the graphene and space industries. Space enthusiasts and the general public are invited to watch the launch live. Stay tuned on LinkedIn for the link and updates throughout this historic event.