LAUNCH OF THE THREAD PROJECT - THERMITE REACTIONS ASSISTING SATELLITE DEMISE
The THREAD project - THERMITE REACTIONS ASSISTING SATELLITE DEMISE - funded under HORIZON-EIC-2024-PATHFINDER, offers an innovative solution to the challenge of the growing number of decommissioned satellites returning to Earth and surviving re-entry, which poses safety risks and environmental concerns on ground.
It is the first EU-funded initiative aiming to introduce the Thermite-for-Demise (T4D) concept directly into the satellite design and manufacturing process.
The idea is to exploit localized exothermic reactions to support the controlled destruction of satellites during reentry.
The technology relies on small, non-explosive thermite charges - composed of metal and metal oxide - embedded at key structural points within the satellite.
These charges are designed to ignite without any external input and generate intense localized heat that enhances the breakup of the structure, even when satellites are no longer active. Thus, this approach aims atgreatly improving safety outcomes on the ground.
The project is coordinated by Politecnico di Milano and ledby Prof. Filippo Maggi of Aerospace Science and Technology Dept.
It brings together a consortium of international partners, including Airbus Defence and Space GmbH, CEiiA (Centre for Engineering and Product Development), DLR (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt), ENEA (Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development), HTG (Hyperschall Technologie Göttingen GmbH), ReActive - Powder Technology s.r.l, R.Tech and Université Jean Monnet Saint-Etienne.
THREAD aims to validate T4D technology through material development, wind tunnel testing, and cost-benefit analysis, paving the way for safer and more sustainable satellite disposal within the emerging space economy.
