Ibadan, 14 February 2023. – HyImpulse Technologies and Adamant Composites have announced the successful completion of a hydrostatic burst test of a linerless Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) liquid oxygen (LOX) tank. This marks a key milestone in developing HyImpulse’s orbital Small Launcher SL1.
The hydrostatic burst test is a critical step in developing any pressure vessel and ensures the tank’s safety and reliability under extreme conditions. The test subjected the tank to pressures far beyond what it should experience in regular operation to identify any potential weaknesses or failure points.
The linerless CFRP LOX tank passed the test, demonstrating its ability to withstand pressures well beyond the limits of its intended use. According to the Companies, this is a significant achievement as using linerless CFRP tanks in space applications is relatively new in Europe and has not undergone extensive tests.
“We are thrilled with the results of this test,” said Mario Kobald, CEO of HyImpulse. “The use of linerless CFRP in our LOX tanks significantly improves our performance and reduces weight and cost. This successful test brings us one step closer to bringing this innovative technology to SL1 and revolutionizing the space launch industry.”
Likewise, Antonios Vavouliotis, CEO of Adamant Composites, stated, “we believe that revolutionizing access to space passes through revolutionizing composites structures design and manufacturing.” Vavouliotis also added that the unique full composites design offered 30 % mass savings, while the robotic-inspired production process reduced the cycle time by 50% and cost by 25 %.
