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Operation in outer space

Innovation

In the future, many industries will require materials that function perfectly, even at extreme temperatures of up to -150°C. gSKINgt sensors perform well even in outer space, and are supporting space exploration in the process.

Image of the experimental setup with gSKINgt sensors on the HTV-9 space freighter. The sensors are marked with red circles (image: JAXA)
HTV-9 approaches the robotic arm of the ISS. Pictured is the camera used in the experiment, including the heat flux sensors. (Image: NASA)
HTV-9 was docked to the ISS from May 25 to August 18, 2020, and burned up in Earth’s atmosphere on August 20.
Image of the experimental setup with gSKINgt sensors on the HTV-9 space freighter. The sensors are marked with red circles (image: JAXA)
HTV-9 approaches the robotic arm of the ISS. Pictured is the camera used in the experiment, including the heat flux sensors. (Image: NASA)
HTV-9 was docked to the ISS from May 25 to August 18, 2020, and burned up in Earth’s atmosphere on August 20.
Image of the experimental setup with gSKINgt sensors on the HTV-9 space freighter. The sensors are marked with red circles (image: JAXA)
HTV-9 approaches the robotic arm of the ISS. Pictured is the camera used in the experiment, including the heat flux sensors. (Image: NASA)
HTV-9 was docked to the ISS from May 25 to August 18, 2020, and burned up in Earth’s atmosphere on August 20.

Background

Cryotechnology, or low-temperature technology, refers to the technology used to exploit physical effects at temperatures below -150°C. With new technological developments, the importance of thermal energy transfer measurements in cryogenic environments is also growing in many industries, and cryogenics is often used in space exploration.

In May 2020, HTV-9, also known as Kounotori 9, an unmanned cargo spacecraft developed by the Japanese space agency JAXA, launched its mission into space. Its destination: the International Space Station (ISS). Joining it for the ride were greenteg gSKINgt heat flux sensors.

During the flight, various experiments were conducted on the cargo spacecraft to measure the influence of the propulsion system on the overall structure. The data obtained was collected and analyzed, and will be used to support the further development of similar space freighters.

The gSKINgt heat flux sensors were selected for their unique properties and robustness, as they are able to withstand even space conditions.

Solution

The gSKINgt heat flux sensor is used to measure thermal energy transfer in cryogenic environments.

With the gSKIN® DLOG data logger, innogt technology enables simple data processing via certain end devices or PC.

Benefits

  • Miniaturized, compact and robust design
  • Various dimensions (diameter/size)
  • Low invasiveness, easy integration into the given setup
  • Water-repellent, insensitive to pressure or vacuum
  • Temperature range from -150°C to 150 °C
  • Heat flux range -150/150 (kW/m2)
  • Ultra-high sensitivity
  • Calibration according to conductive heat flux in accordance with ISO 8301
  • Patented Swiss measuring technology

Details

Guide: How to choose the right Heat Flux sensor for your experiment
Guide: Quick introduction to Heat Flux applications
Instruction Manual: gSKINgt Innovation
Datasheet: gSKINgt Innovation
Video Calorimetry Measurements with gSKINgt
Instruction Video: Innogt Technologie
Video: gSKINgt successfully tested under space-like conditions

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