8 – Improvement of sensors for fluid handling

Name of the system:

Improvement of sensors for fluid handling in the launch zone (e.g., propellant amount assessment via radar for liquid level measurement, temperature sensors, etc.)

Lead entity within the SAMMBA consortium:

Air Liquide (reach out to us here)

Attachment point within the process chain of the Spaceport operator:

The main interfaces of the improved sensors are the propellant storage tanks and propellant transfer pipes to the main launch vehicle. The sensors can help to perform assessments of propellant masses, measurements of mass flows, temperatures, and pressure, or could facilitate leak detection at the attachment points.

Major benefit within the process chain:

The benefits of the improved sensors are manifold. The sensors can for example lead to a reduction in operational cost by reducing the risk of launch abortion or launch postponement due to sensor anomaly in the ground equipment. In addition, improved fluid handling sensors help to contribute to a higher level of automatisation. Hence, the improved sensors allow for an increase in availability, reliability, and safety, while cutting operational costs.

Anticipated R&D vector for the near/mid/long-term:

First, the development of improved sensors with the highest level of fluid compatibilty such as propellants is advisable. After the improving sensitivity and/or reliability of these sensors, new kind of interfaces (IoT) can be developed.

Modularity granted with the following standards:

Depending on the fluid compatibility, some sensors for fluid handling don’t require special modifications and can therefore be used at any spaceport and for any launch vehicle.

Interoperability granted with the following standards:

Interoperability is specific to the sensors and depends on the fluid and the operational environment.

Systems interfaced:

Propellant storage tanks, propellant transfer pipes