Page 10 - IOE_Winter 24

1. The Orbex Prime, developed by UK-based Orbex, a two-stage rocket
built with 3D-printed engines and a body comprising of carbon
fibre combined with graphene to reduce weight and maintain high
strength.

2. Pioneering of the use of graphene in the creation of robust and elastic
structures for lunar and martian environments by North-Western
University utilising a graphene-based elastomer composite that
enhances the regolith inks used in 3D-printing- ideal for building
durable extraterrestrial habitats and structures.
3. The development of graphene foam by Purdue University marking
a significant advance in rocket propellant technology providing an
efficient sustainable option for enhancing solid fuel burn rates - a
critical aspect of rocket performance.
4. A development by NASA Langley that involves creating precise
holes in graphene sheets and has potential applications in sensor
technologies and filtration systems - essential for long-duration
space missions where material efficiency and multi-functionality are
highly important.
5. Advancements in Graphene Field Effect Transistor sensing by Cardea
and the University of Berkeley California which are expected to have
a profound impact on health monitoring systems in space - the
integration of graphene FET sensors with CRISPR technology for the
detection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus RNA has exemplified the rapid
diagnostic capabilities that could be vital for managing health risks in
space missions.
In addition the electrical properties of graphene, notably high connectivity
and electron mobility, make it ideal for developing advanced electronic
components for space applications, such as ultra-sensitive sensor
equipment and efficient power storage systems.

Revolutionary Data Centre for UK Space Innovation
AThe Centre for Modelling and Simulation (CFMS) and the UK Space
Agency have jointly announced the launch of a first-of-its-kind
data centre for next-generation AI, space engineering robotics and
simulation.
The Collaborative Space Data Centre (CoSDoC) pilot project aims to
address critical gaps in data centre services tailored to the unique
requirements of space engineering. It will deliver data centre computing
to address space technology challenges, such as custom hardware-
in-the-loop testing and extremely remote deployments of AI systems.
Complex concept development and testing will be carried out on a
massive scale using digital prototyping underpinned by compute-
intensive physics-based simulations.
The CFMS will partner with planetary geology specialists from the
Open University to demonstrate AI-based data classification for Mars
exploration applications.
Dr. Mark Woods, Chief Strategy Officer for the CFMS, says:
“ The CoSDoC project will provide the industry with an adaptable compute
facility essential for space engineering. This project will support the Space
West Cluster Leadership Group in meeting its strategic objectives whilst
accelerating UK efforts to improve global collaboration.”
[ Reference: Uffindell, R., Data Centre World, 29th. November 2023 ]

10