BECK staples now in outer space
14 June 2016
The Austrian company RUAG Space GmbH recently tasked BECK Fastener Group with the development of a unique type of staple, one that could be used to secure multilayered insulation in the process of producing space satellites.
BECK Fastener Group created staples that affix hook and loop fastening material to the characteristic silver and gold multilayered insulation blankets. This holds the insulation firmly on the satellites, giving them their customary appearance.
The manufacture of these BECK Space Staples involved special requirements on the materials used and their traceability. Also, a special alloy for the space environment was developed in cooperation with RUAG Space.
To accommodate further processing in special clean rooms at RUAG Space, it was necessary to deliver the BECK Space Staples completely free of grease. This meant adjusting the production process, which involved the production machines being degreased; the staples only being handled with silicone gloves; and then packed in special Mylar-bags for shipment.
“The durability of a staple under the extreme conditions of outer space is a completely new area for us. Through the professional and interesting cooperation with RUAG Space, we were once more able to expand our wealth of experience,” explains Stefan Siemers, director research and development at BECK Fastener Group.
The BECK Space Staple has now been used for several satellite projects involving RUAG Space GmbH, and was even scheduled to reach as far as Mars, aboard the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter satellite, which launched in March 2016 and is scheduled to arrive there seven months later.
Besides the broad array of standard fasteners, BECK Fastener Group has begun developing more system oriented solutions, most of which are specially designed upon customer requests.
