Experimental investigation of injectors design and their effects on 1kN performance hybrid rocket motor

To investigate the effects of injection on the performance of hybrid rocket motors (HRMs), we have designed, manufactured and tested two types of injector: showerhead (SH) and pressure-swirl (PSW). This paper analyses the influence of the oxidizer injector design on the main performance parameters, such as the fuel regression rate, the specific impulse and the combustion efficiency. First, in order to observe the injector spray qualities, a series of cold tests using liquid water and liquid nitrous oxide are carried out, providing a good understanding of the spray profiles. Then, the motor performance data are obtained by a series of firing tests using N2O as oxidizer and paraffin as fuel. Due to its simplicity, large database and its easy manufacturing, the showerhead is used as a benchmark in this work. During this experimental analysis, the SH injector exhibits the highest regression rate. In terms of spray properties, the PSW has significant differences, generates the smallest Sauter Mean Diameter (SMD) in the formed spray and achieves good atomization. In spite of the fact that the PSW injector leads to the lowest regression rate, it results to a good specific impulse, increases the oxidizer-to-fuel ratio (/), and a uniform and smooth consumption of the paraffin fuel grain. Concerning the stability, SH injector exhibits lower oscillations in the chamber pressure. Some observations are made on exhaust plume intensity developed during combustion, and in firing tests with SH a blow-out phenomenon is strongly present.SCOPUS: cp.pinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishe

2nd European space generation workshop: Market introduction strategy for a new European heavy lift launch vehicle

The Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC) is a non-profit organisation and professional network that represents university students and young professionals in the space sector. SGAC has permanent observer status in the United Nations Committee on Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) and is a member of the UN Economic and Social Council, and International Astronautical Federation (IAF). Headquartered in Vienna with full-time staff, the organisation is supported by a volunteer network of over 4,000 members in more than 90 countries. The 2nd European Space Generation Workshop (2nd E-SGW) took place in Paris, on 24 and 25 March 2017. The main goals of the 2nd E-SGW are to strengthen the regional network of students and young professionals in the European region, to examine and consider key questions that the European space community is facing from an interdisciplinary point of view, and to provide the opportunity for the next generation of space professionals to interact with today's space leaders. In dedicated working groups, delegates tackled topics of Space Economy, Space Accessibility, Space Diplomacy, Space Exploration. This paper presents potential strategies for the market introduction of a future European heavy-lift launch vehicle, based on the main findings and recommendations of the Space Accessibility Working Group. On the example of Ariane 6, which is scheduled for a maiden flight in 2020, crucial factors, such as launch cost, performance, time to market, launch rate, competition and satellite market situation as well as vehicle reliability and launch record are discussed, and their impact on potential market introduction strategies evaluated. Considering the economic and technological aspects of the introduction of a new launcher, the industrial organisation is examined, and the influence of national and European space policy and potential areas for support by lawmakers are identified. Furthermore, elements for marketing and outreach activities with respect to various target groups are presented.SCOPUS: cp.pinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishe

Bespace: The community for space enthusiasts in Belgium

beSPACE, the community for space enthusiasts in Belgium, is a Belgian volunteer-based non-profit organisation founded in 2013 by a group of students and young professionals aiming to connect students and (young) professionals involved in space-related activities and help them with their education, training and career. It organised its first networking event, the Space Dinner, that same year. Since then the number of members has increased significantly, currently reaching 326, while the variety of events has expanded as well - from the Space Dinner, oriented towards the general public, with 270 registrations to company visits and smaller Sessions on specific topics for 15 people. In 2017 beSPACE introduced the beSPACE Awards to recognize and reward one individual (Personality of the Year) and one team (Team of the Year) that have made exceptional contributions to the (Belgian) space scene. The beSPACE core team consists of volunteers from many different backgrounds. The communication strategy is based on social media, a newsletter and a website. beSPACE published a White Paper in 2016, in which the core team outlines four recommendations in order for Belgium to remain a competitive European partner. These recommendations are: the creation of opportunities for the young generation, the inclusion of new trends in the national space strategy, the encouragement of transdisciplinary dialogue and opening up to the Belgian regions and communities while keeping the federal core. After five and a half years the number of participants of events has grown from 164 in 2013 to 339 in 2017. Social media have become more and more important, which is reflected in the number of followers on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Based on an analysis of the audience of a typical Space Dinner, beSPACE reaches its target audience of students, academics, professionals and other space enthusiasts. The lessons learnt are that more varied events increase visibility and attract a larger audience, that a clear sponsorship strategy attracts more sponsors and that social media are critical to communicate with members and other space enthusiasts. beSPACE now aims to organise its 7th Space Dinner, consolidate its digital identity, empower its members and keep growing its membership through the organisation of events where communication between space enthusiasts in Belgium is encouraged.SCOPUS: cp.pinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishe