RAL Space - latest developments in space science and technology

CCLRC RUTHERFORD APPLETON LABORATORY
Design
Our experienced engineers use the latest tools to design and build space
and ground-based instruments. We adopt an integrated approach and
support projects throughout the full life cycle from requirements analysis
and conceptual design through to flight or commissioning.
MECHANICAL DESIGN
AND STRUCTURAL
ANALYSIS
THERMAL SYSTEMS
ENGINEERING
INSTRUMENT DESIGN
RAL has a small team of highly skilled
mechanical engineers with
considerable experience in the design
of lightweight subsystems for scientific
instruments. We use the latest 3-D
computer aided design tools with links
to computer aided manufacture and
rapid prototyping technologies. We
also have finite element software tools
for detailed structural analysis of parts
and complete systems.
Contact: Martin Whalley
Tel: 01235 445032
Email: m.s.whalley@rl.ac.uk
www.sstd.rl.ac.uk/Mectherm/
Testing the Joule-Thomson cooler for PLANCK
Thermal analysis of the PTOLEMY instrument
for ROSETTA
The Thermal Engineering Group
designs space and ground-based
instruments to meet temperature
requirements, whilst surviving harsh
environmental conditions. We provide
a range of services from conceptual
studies and detailed analysis, through
to the definition and management of
thermal tests. We also design,
manufacture and procure thermal
hardware and multilayer insulation
blankets.
Contact: Sam Elder
Tel: 01235 445761
Email: s.c.elder@rl.ac.uk
www.sstd.rl.ac.uk/Mectherm/
RAL frequently assembles teams of
specialists to help academia and
industry to design instruments. RAL is
continually searching for ways of
improving the efficiency of this
process by better integration of
software to enable ‘concurrent
design’, following similar innovations
with its partners in NASA and ESA.
Contact: Richard Crowther
Tel: 01235 446431
Email: r.crowther@rl.ac.uk
Beagle 2 undergoing thermal tests at RAL
RAL engineers have designed and built instruments for
operations on the ground, in Earth orbit and for other
planets in our solar system
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