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Comex and Airbus join forces around a module of the future lunar station

Comex and Airbus join forces around a module of the future lunar station

Nov 21, 2018

Comex and Airbus join forces around a module of the future lunar station

COMEX joins AIRBUS in the development of ESPRIT the European Module of the lunar orbital space station GATEWAY

October 24th 2018, COMEX and AIRBUS signed a cooperation agreement to develop ESPRIT, one of the European modules of the GATEWAY, the future lunar space station.

The GATEWAY is the first step of human space exploration after the era of the International Space Station. It will be a basis for missions to the lunar surface by robotic vehicles and astronauts. Its assembly in lunar orbit is scheduled to start in 2023.

The GATEWAY is a planned lunar-orbit space station that will have a power and propulsion system, utilization and crew habitation modules with docking capability, scientific and extra-vehicular activity airlocks, and logistics modules. The development is led by the current International Space Station partnership: NASA, ESA, ROSCOSMOS, JAXA and CSA, for launch to the Moon in the 2020s.

AIRBUS is leading as prime one of the two parallel Phase A/B1 studies for the development of the ESPRIT module (European System Providing Refueling, Infrastructure and Telecommunications), in cooperation with COMEX S.A., Marseille and other European Partners. ESPRIT is a system, planned to be launched with the first Utilization Module (an US supplied pressurized module). It includes propellant (Xenon and Hydrazine) storage and refueling systems for the Power Propulsion Element (the first US element of the Gateway), communication systems with the Lunar base, interface points for external payloads and a scientific airlock.

COMEX joins AIRBUS in the development of this space module, by bringing in its engineering expertise and testing capabilities. The Marseille based company was a pioneer in the development of subsea systems and professional diving. Since 2012, COMEX has been actively involved in human space flight activity and stratospheric platforms.

 

COMEX and the Design of Habitats for Space Exploration

COMEX and the Design of Habitats for Space Exploration

Dec 12, 2016

COMEX and the Design of Habitats for Space Exploration

gondolfi, combinaison spatial, habitat lunaire

COMEX, renowned for its expertise in extreme environments, has played a key role in the development of habitats designed for space exploration. Following an in-depth study phase, the full-scale (1:1) mock-up of the SHEE (Self-Deployable Habitat for Extreme Environments) module was assembled in COMEX’s workshops, with completion scheduled for the end of summer. Once deployed, this mock-up—covering an area of approximately 50 m² includes: :

An entrance hall A workspace for two people A kitchen A sanitary area Two individual sleeping quarters

Built using high-tech composite materials such as honeycomb structures, thermoplastic foams, fire-retardant gel coat, and fiberglass, the SHEE module benefits from methods inspired by competitive yacht construction. This design ensures simplicity and speed of deployment, enhanced thermal and mechanical resistance, and a highly competitive cost. This achievement illustrates the effectiveness of balanced cooperation between institutions and specialized companies within the European Union.

COMEX and the lunar space station Gateway

As part of the Artemis program, which aims to establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon, COMEX is collaborating with Airbus on the development of modules for the Gateway space station. In November 2018, COMEX and Airbus signed a cooperation agreement for the development of ESPRIT (European System Providing Refueling, Infrastructure and Telecommunications), one of Gateway’s European modules. This module is essential for future lunar missions, serving as a relay between Earth and the lunar surface.

COMEX’s expertise in pressure management for space exploration

COMEX has unparalleled expertise in pressure management, a critical aspect of the design of space habitats. This capability is fundamental to ensuring the safety and well-being of astronauts during long-duration missions. COMEX’s experience in creating pressurized environments and its ability to simulate extreme conditions make the company a key partner in the development of habitats for space exploration.

Conclusion

Thanks to its technical expertise and strategic collaborations, COMEX is well positioned to play a major role in the design of space habitats for lunar exploration and beyond. The full-scale mock-up of the SHEE (Self-Deployable Habitat for Extreme Environments) module and its involvement in the development of the Gateway station illustrate COMEX’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of space habitat design, thereby contributing to the advancement of human space exploration.