Space Innovations from Latvia: LSIWC Research for European Launch Vehicles
On Friday, February 28, the Latvian Academy of Sciences (LAS) will hold the award ceremony for the winners of the Science Achievement Competition. Among the 12 most outstanding scientific studies of 2024 in Latvia, a special place is held by the work of the Polymer Laboratory at the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry, led by Academician Dr.sc.ing. Uģis Cābulis.
The President of the Latvian Academy of Sciences, Ivars Kalviņš, stated: “We are pleased to observe that the range of candidates participating in the LAS-organized competition for the best scientific achievements in Latvia is expanding, and the quality of submitted works continues to rise.”
Our research team has developed an innovative cryogenic insulation material that has been successfully used for the thermal insulation of fuel tanks in the latest launch vehicle, Ariane 6, of the European Space Agency (ESA).
The construction of space rockets requires special innovations in materials science, as liquid hydrogen and oxygen, used as propellants, must be stored at extremely low temperatures – down to -253°C. Under such conditions, fuel tank insulation must not only withstand cryogenic stress but also endure dynamic loads that occur during rocket launch.
“Specific polyurethane foam formulations have been developed to function at these cryogenic temperatures because, at very low temperatures, all materials become brittle and fragile. Launch vehicles require both cryogenic insulation and a material with high mechanical strength, as rocket launches involve various vibrational and thermal loads,” explains our lead researcher, Academician Uģis Cābulis.
The Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry has several decades of experience in the research of cryo-insulation materials. Work on the coating used in rockets began 20 years ago when the German company group “Ariane” invited researchers to develop a suitable material for rockets.
The authors of this achievement are Academician Dr.sc.ing. Uģis Cābulis, Dr.sc.ing. Vladimirs Jakušins, Mg.chem. Laima Vēvere, and Mg.sc.ing. Beatrise Stūre-Šķēla.
This achievement demonstrates the high competence of Latvian scientists in materials science and polymer technology. The Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry continues to develop innovative materials, strengthening Latvia’s role in the international scientific arena.