Source is a 3U CubeSat, to be launched in two years. Project phase A is about to be completed. Stay tuned for updates!

Pump Application using Pulsed Electromagnets for Liquid reLocation(PAPELL) is an experiment to prove the basic functionality of pumps using ferrofluids in microgravitation. Ferrofluids are liquids that develop magnetic properties in magnetic fields and can thus be manipulated with magnets. The pump does not use moving mechanical parts, relying on the interaction between the ferrofluid and electromagnets. Careful activation and deactivation of the electromagnets can move ferrofluid drops through the experiment area. The experiment can show the possible future application of ferrofluid based pumps for future space projects.

ROACH (Robotic in-Orbit Analysis of Cover Hulls) researches the use of electrostatic adhesion for new locomotion methods in space. It will launch within the REXUS/BEXUS program aboard REXUS 24 in March 2018.

The project is inspired by the increasing threat to spacecraft posed by space debris and micro-meteorites. Hulls of spacecraft are additionally subject to fatigue, e. g. due to radiation. Both sources of damage can potentially destroy or impair the spacecraft. Based on this experiment, robots may enable autonomous maintenance by searching for damage and performing small repairs. The locomotion of such a rover on a spacecraft’s hull and its adhesion to the spacecraft is the primary challenge. The principle of electrostatic adhesion shall be used to achieve that.