Tyndall National Institute, UCC and the University of Limerick's Stokes Institute have recently commenced a contract for research with the European Space Agency (ESA).

The one-year programme will evaluate the reliability of lead-free solders, a critical challenge for electronic assemblies deployed in space applications. The project is led by Mr Finbarr Waldron of Tyndall’s Microsystems Research Centre, and the activities at the University of Limerick are co-ordinated by Dr. Jeff Punch, Director of the Stokes Institute, UL.

Mr Waldron, Project Leader, explained: "The drive towards greener manufacturing methods on Earth is pushing space companies to build electronic systems for satellites without using certain toxic materials, like lead. As the life of a satellite is typically guaranteed for 15 years, it is important to understand how lead-free electronic systems operate in the extreme environment of space. Once a satellite is launched, it cannot be repaired – failure is not an option."

-- Advertisement --

The team will investigate the use of materials capable of withstanding the harsh conditions which a space craft would experience. The materials must be able to withstand rapid changes of temperature, the typical temperature change can be from -55C to + 125C and the ability to survive high levels of mechanical shock and acceleration which would be experienced during launch.

Electronic assemblies are an ever-present feature of space vehicles, both for flight control and for on-board experimentation. Lead-bearing materials have been prohibited from use in most electronic products since 2006 by the European Union’s Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive, but specialist application areas such as aerospace were initially granted an exemption. The electronics supply-chain is dominated by high-volume consumer products, however, and lead-compatible components have become difficult to source. There is now a sharp imperative to select a suitable lead-free solder alloy for use in space.

(CD)