C6 Launch Systems
Advanced Laser Joining Techniques for Cryogenic Compatible Materials — The development of small launch vehicles and modern spacecraft requires manufacturing ultra light-weight tanks to support ever-increasing performance requirements. Additionally, expanding commercialization continually requires reducing costs, reducing production time, and increasing design flexibility and agility. 

This project aims to develop novel laser welding practises and processes in order to produce lightweight and structurally rigid stainless-steel tanks for cryogenic storage, which are more cost-effective and agile compared to current options. The development of new core manufacturing technologies can be applied to future space applications (both satellites and human exploration), as well as cryogenic hydrogen storage for commercial airplanes and prismatic liquid natural gas (LNG) carriers for bulk transport of energy commodities on Earth.