Radom/ Space technologies at the Institute of Exploitation Technology – Łukasiewicz Research Network

The Institute of Exploitation Technology – Łukasiewicz Research Network in Radom will soon have the only vacuum tribological tester in Poland for the space sector. The facility received PLN 4.2 million in funding for this purpose from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education.

The new device will allow materials to be tested in extreme conditions similar to space: high vacuum, temperatures ranging from -120 degrees C to +1000 degrees C, and various types of motion.

"We already have 30 devices for tribological research, meaning for studying friction, wear, and lubrication occurring in mechanisms used on Earth and in biotribology. This time, we will also have a device for testing materials used in space," Professor Remigiusz Michalczewski, director of the Tribology Center at Łukasiewicz-ITeE, told reporters on Thursday.

It will be the only research device of this type and with these parameters in Poland. "This will allow us to participate in international projects, research on the development of materials for space applications, and contribute to the independence of the European space research sector from global suppliers," emphasized Professor Michalczewski.

ITE – Łukasiewicz Research Network in Radom counts on good cooperation in this area with companies and institutions operating in the space industry, including the Polish Space Agency.

Prof. Michalczewski said that the ITE in Radom participated in preparing the project application for Polish astronaut Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski, who is currently on a mission to the International Space Station (ISS). "The experiment turned out to be too complicated, but we hope that thanks to this device, we will be able to conduct it on Earth, but in space conditions," said the head of the Tribology Center.

The Institute of Exploitation Technology in Radom is one of 22 institutes in the Łukasiewicz Research Network. "This year, we have launched 20 research projects. These range from low-cost projects of PLN 1 million to large, strategic projects of PLN 25 million and more," said the head of the Institute, Dr. Adam Duszyk.

MP Konrad Frysztak (KO), who attended the press conference, emphasized that the purchase of unique equipment for the Radom institute is an important step in implementing the Polish Space Strategy and building a strong position for Poland in the European space technology ecosystem. (PAP)

Science in Poland

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