The main direction of the Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute of Aviation is the creation of new technologies. Research and development activities are focused on practical issues, as basic research and anticipating developments in aerospace structures and related new technologies including space technologies. Also covered are such fields as: flow, structural strength, vibration and dynamics of aircraft design, helicopters, gyroplanes or rockets, computer-aided design design and engineering, flight materials, regulations and standards from the following topics: air and spacecraft, engines and equipment, thermodynamics and combustion, construction, research and ecology of turbine, combustion and rocket engines, environmental protection and use of alternative fuels. The Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute of Aviation works as a research and development center for the aerospace industry for Polish and foreign companies in our country. Laboratory research is conducted in laboratory units have an unique for Poland research and test equipment and are accredited by the Polish Centre for Accreditation.
As for space technologies, in the year 2007 activities were revitalized by the creation of the Space Technologies Workshop. Its main goal is to conduct research and development activities on ecological rocket propulsion, innovative space propulsion, and a small rocket launcher able to place a 200-kg payload into sun-synchronized orbits. Work is continuing on the use of concentrated and purified hydrogen-peroxide for rocket propulsion and in other areas such as: robotics, defense systems, energetics.
- High-test hydrogen-peroxide (concentration 98%+) – commercializing phase
- Numerical calculations of flow, injection and combustion of liquid and gas propellant
AREAS OF ACTIVITY IN THE SPACE SECTOR:
- Space Debris
- Propulsion
- Structures & Pyrotechnics
- Thermal
MAIN SPACE PROJECTS:
- GRASP – identifying of alternative propellant materials for space applications and demonstrating these engine technologies on a laboratory scale
- PulCheR – work demonstration of a pulse rocket engine, designed for satellite orientation systems
- HYPEROX – a project of the Institute of Aviation within the PECS programm. The goal is to investigate decomposition catalysts of hydrogen peroxide of the Institute’s design. It is intended for usage in space propulsion.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AREAS:
- Rocket propulsion – rocket engine design, basic research in the area of effects occurring during engine work
- Sounding and space rockets – basic rocket design, optimalization
- Rocket propulsion materials – creating and research on modern ecological rocket propulsion materials
- Applications supporting rocket and rocket engine design processes
LABORATORIES AND TECHNICAL FACILITIES:
A propellant laboratory, an engine test stand
