An important aspect in mechanism design is the selection of the appropriate lubricant for given operating conditions. In the case of fluid lubricants, it is important to understand the lubrication regime a given application will be operating in.
CABARET, ESTL’s own bearing analysis software, having its roots in rocket engine turbopump development (hence its name – Code for Analysis of BeArings in Rocket Engine Turbopumps), has a 35-year history of serving the specific analysis requirements of the European space industry, with the funding and support of the European Space Agency (ESA[M).
For many decades, spacecraft mechanisms have relied heavily on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Perfluoropolyether (PFPE) lubricants, PTFE-thickened greases and fluorinated solvents have become the industry’s trusted “heritage” materials, enabling reliable operation across extreme temperatures and hostile space environments. However, this long-established position is beginning to change.
At the European Space Tribology Laboratory (ESTL), we recently assessed two widely used self-lubricating materials, PGM-HT and its newer replacement TECASINT 8591, under representative vacuum conditions using our Vacuum Mini Traction Machine (VMTM).
We’re pleased to be, yet again, sponsoring and exhibiting at the IChemE Hazards 36 Conference which is taking place in Manchester from 17–19 November. Hazards
The forthcoming CDOIF Major Hazard Human Harm Risk Assessment (MHHHRA) Guidance presents a new consistent and structured approach to assessing the potential consequences of major
ESR Technology is proud to recognise the exceptional career of Dave Forster, Assembly Manager in our Space team. This month, Dave marks his 44th year at the company, a testament to his knowledge in the field of space engineering.
ESR’s National Centre of Tribology (NCT) has recently been involved in a joint research project with a data science company to develop a new cutting-edge data-driven system that will provide real-time condition monitoring of rail networks.
Bolted connections are ubiquitous in everything from the high-tech mechanisms that ESR designs for spacecraft through to the hobby projects and 3D-printed widgets many of our engineers make at home.
ESR’s Engineering Consultant, Omar Shah, shared his insight on how his DIY work at home turned into some engineering enlightenment.
ESA’s EarthCARE satellite successfully launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in the early hours of this morning.
ESTL is excited to announce that ESR Technology has recently become the home of a new mass-spectrometer, the RADIAN ASAP!
ESR Technology’s Safety and Risk Management Team will be exhibiting at the 2026 OEUK HSE Conference on 25 February at P&J Live in Aberdeen.
HOIS is excited to share that we will be hosting an ‘Introduction to HOIS’ one day industry event.
During the early months of 2026, ESR Technology has continued to support clients across safety-critical and high-reliability sectors through technical consultancy, engineering solutions and industry engagement
At ESR Technology, our values include a strong commitment to supporting the younger generation in STEM initiatives
This year, ESTL have an increasing presence in ESA’s Final Presentation Days, held at ESTEC. With a total of seven presentations over three days, three at the Gears Workshop on 25th March, and four over the two Final Presentation Days, on 26-27th March.
On 25 March 2026 at ESTEC, ESTL will contribute three sessions to ESA’s Gears Workshop, sharing practical lessons from recent programmes, the scope of our current support for gear system development, and how we plan to expand that support with industry input.
We’re excited to announce that ESTL and ESR Space will both be presenting at the upcoming European Space Mechanisms and Tribology Symposium (ESMATS) 2025.
For inspection and integrity engineers, responsible for the integrity of pressure vessels, understanding the pros and cons of different inspection methodologies is vital.
This September, the European Space Tribology Laboratory (ESTL) will once again participate in the European Space Mechanisms and Tribology Symposium (ESMATS).
ESR Technology is proud to share that at our ESTL (European Space Tribology Laboratory) experts have contributed, along with ESA, Materials GmbH and Kompetenzzentrum Tribologie Mannheim, to the recently published article in Scientific Reports: “Development of novel lubricant formulation for cleanroom and vacuum application”
ESR Technology is pleased to acknowledge Chris Proud, Aberdeen Technical Lead for our Safety and Risk Management team, for his contributions to the OEUK Offshore Flare and Vent Systems good practice document.
The 20th World Conference on Non-Destructive Testing, held in Incheon, Korea, featured a significant presentation by Dr Mike Laws from HOIS. The presentation highlighted HOIS’s extensive research over the past 15 years focused on assessing the performance of non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques for identifying and quantifying corrosion under pipe supports (CUPS).
Join us for the 33rd HOIS Digitalisation Forum (HDF33)!
HDF33 Theme: AI/ML in NDT/NDE and integrity management, digitalisation of NDE, NDE 4.0 data processes and formats, and digital twins
Join us at the 32nd HOIS Digitalisation Forum (HDF32) on Tuesday, 1st July 2025.
The HOIS Digitalisation Forum is an engaging platform that delves into cutting-edge advancements in the digitalisation of non-destructive testing (NDT) workflows.
HOIS had developed an active online webinar series on digitalisation and data science in asset integrity. An excellent opportunity to hear from industry leaders on key innovations.