Insights

News & Resources for ESTL

Europe’s Space Tribology Experts: How ESTL Keeps Spacecraft Moving

Tribology – commonly described as the study of friction, wear and lubrication – is an interdisciplinary subject embracing aspects of physics, chemistry, fluid mechanics, material science, and metallurgy. For most mechanical systems, the requirements of “good tribology” and effective lubrication are to minimise adhesion, friction, and wear of the contacting surfaces and thereby to maximise life.

Find out more

Europe’s Space Tribology Experts: How ESTL Keeps Spacecraft Moving

Tribology – commonly described as the study of friction, wear and lubrication – is an interdisciplinary subject embracing aspects of physics, chemistry, fluid mechanics, material science, and metallurgy. For most mechanical systems, the requirements of “good tribology” and effective lubrication are to minimise adhesion, friction, and wear of the contacting surfaces and thereby to maximise life.

Find out more

Guidelines For Introduction of New Oils and Greases into Mechanism Qualification Programs – Now Released By ESTL

Until now, no guidance has been available for those seeking to employ a new oil or grease product in a space mechanism intended for flight qualification. However, a guideline document (ESA-ESTL-TM-0375 01- “Guidelines for Qualification of New Fluid Lubricants”) recently released by ESTL and available in ESTL’s Members’ Area aims to provide clarity concerning the lubricant verification and validation prerequisites ultimately to be required by the European Space Agency (ESA) in this situation.

Find out more