Feasibility Analysis, LCA and Demisability Tests of Wood-composites as Demisable and Eco-friendly Satellite Structures

Kurzfassung

The growing demand for space missions calls for more sustainable structural materials as the orbits become more crowded. This study evaluates Wood Aluminum Laminated Panels (WALP) as an environmentally friendly alternative to the conventional Aluminum Honeycomb Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic Panels (AHCP) used in satellite structures. First, a feasibility analysis was conducted for small satellite class (~100kg) and CubeSat platforms. Then a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), focused on the Design and Production phases, following the European Space Agency’s (ESA) EcoDesign framework, is performed. Finally, a plasma wind tunnel test was conducted for determining its demise behavior and assess the ablation products of the material for future evaluation of its effect on the atmosphere during its demise at re-entry.