We have developed two patents in the field of space,
for vehicles that are in low orbit around the earth.
Patents are a design, a system
to produce thust or energy on board.
A space tie is just aluminum tape in orbit.
In the case of patents, when we want
that the tie captures and emits electrons by itself,
we cover it with a special material coating
which has a property called work function,
low enough so that the orbiting tape emits electrons.
This space tie, which measures a couple of centimeters by 50 microns,
and has a couple of kilometers in length,
when put into orbit,
according to the scheme that we have proposed in patents,
can generate power on board while the satellite goes down,
causing his reentry and eliminating space junk,
or, if there is electric power on board,
you can get some thrust that raises the height of the orbit.
One of the great challenges for the space industry
in the next decades is space junk.
And this technology is ideal to fight against space junk,
since it allows to put the satellites out of orbit, that is
force their re-entry and that they are eliminated in the atmosphere.
The space tie, in an active mode,
is especially interesting for the ISS
because it is in an orbit where
the aerodynamic braking Iis important
and every year a quantity of fuel is dedicated
to give it some thrust and maintain the height of its orbit.
With this device we would be able to compensate
that aerodynamic resistance without using fuel
Patent technology has three advantages:
The first is its low mass,
which is fundamental for space applications.
The second is its simplicity,
because once put into orbit it works by itself
The third, is that It does not need a propellant to work.
We are in contact with different companies,
also with other institutes of European research.
NASA and ESA space agencies have shown an interest
and we exchange information.
For a number of years now,
we have been collaborating with UPM professor, Juan Sanmartín
and also with the UPM researcher, Claudio Bombardelli.
The collaboration has resulted in these two patents
on space ties with low work function,
that are prepared to be launched.