Aeronautics & Space
Ariane and Socitec
Socitec prides itself on involving in packing Ariane 5’s cryogenic main stage into containers or as called in French, Etage Principal Cryotechnique (EPC). Just so you know, The EPC diameter is 5.4 m with 30.5 m high. Moreover, it weighs approximately 170 tonnes when full of propellant and 12.5 tonnes when it’s empty.
At Socitec, we consider our contribution to Ariane 5’s cryogenic main stage is a remarkable milestone. Over and above, the objective here was to produce comprehensive modeling, including the elasticity of the stage, container, and suspension, while introducing dynamic efforts such as the passage of obstacles (ledge) and the road profiles.
We are currently closely involved in the Ariane 6 launcher, working on similar projects to design GSE shock and vibration decoupling. We’re working hard every day in order to deliver our clients the best shock and vibration isolations services in our industry.
Engine handling
When it comes to the protection of aeronautical equipment, it must start from the ground. Because any shocks that occur while handling might damage equipment systems. Socitec’s extensive experience in the shock and vibration isolators industry led to produced a damping system for the trolley used to transport the engine of the A380 made by Rolls-Royce. The use of cable-wired isolators enabled the safe transport of this very fragile and expensive equipment. At Socitec, we sell our clients peace of mind by offering them the best shock and vibration isolations services.
Exomars
At Socitec, it was our honor to participate in Exomars which is an astrobiology program of the European Space Agency made to explore Mars. It is also made up of two parts. The first part aimed to send a satellite into orbit of the planet Mars. Socitec was involved in the transport of the equipment of this satellite by providing the proper damping to protect the material against shocks.
At Socitec, we hope to contribute more in the upcoming days to make facilitate all the works that be done to explore Mars.
ELT – Extremely Large Telescope
The extremely large telescope (ELT) is a project developed by ESO (European Organisation for Astronomical Research in the Southern Hemisphere). This telescope will be the world’s optical largest telescope and ESO has been working on this project since 2005. It is also due to start operation in 2025.
The objective of ELT is to improve astrophysical research by enabling detailed studies of subjects. Including planets around other stars, supermassive black holes, and the first galaxies. This large telescope will be equipped with a large fragile mirror which will require a lot of protection during his transportation.
The transit from Europe to Chile will be handled by Socitec. Moreover, Socitec conducted many tests to determine how to isolate and protect this equipment from vibration during transportation.