Zero gravity tank gauge set for tests in space
The European Space Agency is funding a project that will allow a UK company to test SMARRTS, a sensor technology that measures tank characteristics in zero gravity.
Developed by Atout Process, SMARTTS (Smart Tanks for Space) is set to undergo trials onboard the International Space Station (ISS).
Atout said its technology uses electrical capacitance tomography sensors to measure the mass of liquid in a tank, show where it is and how it is moving, and to calculate the resulting forces on the vehicle.
In a statement, Andrew Hunt, chief executive at Atout, said: “We’re confident that SMARTTS can report, in real-time, accurate measurements of fuel, even in space. Thanks to ESA, we’ll now get the chance to prove it in orbit through experiments on the International Space Station. It’s essential new technology for proposed new space industries and will enable measurable in-orbit refuelling.”
To build the prototype SMARTTS system to go to the ISS, Atout will enlist the help of space engineers at Surrey Space Centre, which is part of Surrey University, and use the specialist facilities there.
Register now to continue reading
Thanks for visiting The Engineer. You’ve now reached your monthly limit of news stories. Register for free to unlock unlimited access to all of our news coverage, as well as premium content including opinion, in-depth features and special reports.
Benefits of registering
-
In-depth insights and coverage of key emerging trends
-
Unrestricted access to special reports throughout the year
-
Daily technology news delivered straight to your inbox
Experts speculate over cause of Iberian power outages
The EU and UK will be moving towards using Grid Forming inverters with Energy Storage that has an inherent ability to act as a source of Infinite...