French spacecraft designer and manufacturer OPUS Aerospace has chosen to use premium screws from Swedish specialist fastener manufacturer BUMAX for its new suborbital rocket and future vehicles designed to send satellites into space.
OPUS Aerospace has decided to use BUMAX 88 screws to secure the two domes of a prototype cylindrical fuel tank for the Mesange suborbital rocket. The domes must have high strength screws as they are a critical part of rocket with extremely high-pressure.
OPUS Aerospace designs, develops and manufactures economical space launch solutions dedicated to nano-satellites, micro-satellites and mini-satellites, as well as small payloads. The company’s mission is to democratise access to space for as many people as possible and to accelerate space exploration.
“We already offer our customers various space systems services and are currently conducting pilot tests for the different parts of our new fully reusable rocket,” explained Safouane Benamer, CEO of Opus Aerospace. “We’re planning a test launch of our Mesange rocket in early 2024, which will pave the way for us to launch sub-orbital payloads of up to 1,000kg and orbital payloads of 250kg. We’ll scale up our offering step-by-step.”
Ignacio Amundarain, launcher mechanical engineer at OPUS Aerospace, explains that initial calculations showed that standard stainless steel fasteners simply wouldn’t cope with the loads. “We have already tested and validated the design of our fuel tank with BUMAX 88 on the ground – with even more demanding pressurisation tests than we can expect in normal conditions. We are confident that this will ensure the safe operation of our fuel tank.”
Crucial properties of BUMAX 88 fasteners are high strength, corrosion resistance, low temperature resistance and reliability. The enhanced properties of the BUMAX 88 are achieved through a combination of unique BUMAX manufacturing processes and the highest quality European steel.
OPUS Aerospace has also obtained an excess supply of BUMAX 88 that will be used for other important applications on the prototype rocket, including securely fastening the fuel lines from the fuel tank. “I know how reliable BUMAX are from my previous job of designing satellites,” said Ignacio. “They are also cost-effective compared with other fastener solutions, with similar premium properties, and we are looking forward to continuing our rocket development journey together with BUMAX.”
Will joined Fastener + Fixing Magazine in 2007 and over the last 12 years has experienced every facet of the fastener sector – interviewing key figures within the industry and visiting leading companies and exhibitions around the globe. Will manages the content strategy across all platforms and is the guardian for the high editorial standards that the brand is renowned.
