Within the framework of the HIPERION III project, the AZTERLAN Metallurgical Research Centre is working on the development of new hybrid composite-metal materials and on the validation of the space structures and systems developed.
Following the successful results obtained in the HIPERION (2021) and HIPERION II (2023) projects, HIPERION III continues to focus on generating knowledge and capabilities for the development of new space technologies and future planetary missions, with the aim of improving the capabilities and competitiveness of the Basque aerospace industrial ecosystem.
To this end, HIPERION III addresses new scientific-technological objectives aligned with the real needs of the sector, which are structured into seven research areas:
- Photonic systems, spectral filters and detectors: filters and optics for planetary observation, and fibre-optic systems (sensors and solar concentrators).
- Advanced materials for space environments: new alloys, molecular absorbers and protective coatings for space environments, as well as new materials for hybrid composites.
- New manufacturing processes for space structures: manufacturing technologies for nozzles, combustion chambers and propulsion systems using advanced materials, multimaterial hybridisation and cooling channels, as well as processes for the recovery and manufacturing of structures and components in extraterrestrial environments.
- Disruptive propulsion systems: thermonuclear propulsion and electromagnetic catapults.
- Space mechanisms and electronic systems: compliant mechanisms and shape-memory materials, advanced fibre-based sensing of mechanisms, advanced electronic systems through additive manufacturing and functional printing, and protection of electronic systems under space conditions.
- Planetary atmosphere analysis through artificial vision and spectroscopy: characterisation of Martian dust, analysis of planetary atmosphere data and data processing using AI-based techniques.
- Characterisation and validation of the developed space structures and systems: commissioning of a test chamber for Martian dust testing and execution of tests for space environments.
Development and validation of new hybrid materials and space structures
AZTERLAN’s participation in Hiperion III is mainly focused on the development of new hybrid (composite-metal) materials and space structures for use in extraterrestrial environments.
On the one hand, continuing the collaboration established in Hiperion II, AZTERLAN and GAIKER technology centers will focus their joint research on metal-composite hybrid materials. As stated by Fernando Santos, Head of the Materials and Special Processes research line at AZTERLAN, “after a multilayer material composed of aluminium, stainless steel and an organic composite was developed in Hiperion II, we are currently working on improving the adhesion between the different material layers and the transmission of stresses through physicomechanical and chemical anchoring, as well as on integrating new stacking schemes of composite-metal laminates”.
In the field of materials, different surface treatments will also be studied to generate reflective layers resistant to friction, corrosion and abrasion during launch, landing and operation in extraterrestrial environments such as Mars.
In any case, the development of space structures based on new materials will require not only adapted manufacturing processes, but also more advanced validation processes. “Hiperion III will result in developments with higher TRL levels than its predecessors; therefore, validation will be of particular importance to ensure compliance with space standards such as the European Space Agency’s ECSS testing regulations”.
The Hiperion III project, “Generation of knowledge and capabilities for new space technologies and future planetary missions”, involves the BRTA member technology centres TEKNIKER (leader), TECNALIA, CIDETEC, CEIT, GAIKER, LORTEK and AZTERLAN, as well as the Department of Applied Physics of the University of the Basque Country (EHU) and the Aeronautical Technologies Centre. Hiperion III is funded by the Basque Government under the Elkartek programme (KK-2025/00106).
