Home > News >
METTIS AEROSPACE PROVIDES SOLUTION FOR SPACE STATION
1st November 2004

Mettis Aerospace has secured and delivered a unique solution for a technically challenging problem facing one of the key components of the AMS-2 Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer which is due to be launched by NASA to the International Space Station aboard the space shuttle.

One of the major tasks of the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer will be the crucial measurement of cosmic rays and search for antimatter and will be mounted on one of the limbs of the International Space Station. The designers were faced with the problem of how to create components to achieve specific grain flow, hydrogen content and low temperature mechanical properties in components manufactured in 5083 aluminium alloy.

Commenting, Archie MacPherson Managing Director of Mettis Aerospace said:
"The metallurgical research team at Mettis were tasked, at very short notice, by Space Cryomagnetics Ltd and its consortium partners to find a solution to the problem. Using world leading technical skills they have produced nozzle forgings that satisfied the stringent design requirements of the spectrometer using a special cold reduction method. The components are for use as part of the super-conducting magnet helium vessel, which will be working in liquid helium and operating in extremely cold temperatures, down to -272o C. The nozzle forgings were then machined by Mettis Aerospace and delivered to the customer on time."