In the aerospace sector, thermal management represents one of the most complex and decisive challenges for the success of a mission. The extreme temperatures typical of space, the thermal swings between light and shadow, and the need for operational precision require reliable, lightweight, and high-performance solutions.
To meet these needs, Zoppas Industries Heating Element Technologies (ZIHET) has been developing flexible heating foils for over thirty years, specifically designed for satellites, spacecraft, and pressurised modules. Our experience in the aerospace sector is proven by over 150 international space programs supplied and more than 1,000 satellites worldwide equipped with Zoppas Industries heating systems.
The Zoppas Industries Flexible Foil
The flexible foil is an ultra-thin heating element, manufactured using etched foil technology with a resistive circuit bonded onto high-performance polyimide insulation. This innovative design combines:
- Minimum thickness and reduced weight, essential in space programs where every gram counts.
- High flexibility and adaptability, to precisely conform to curved surfaces, piping, and complex geometries.
- Uniform heat distribution, with rapid thermal response and highly accurate temperature control.
These characteristics make Zoppas Industries' flexible foils ideal for the thermal control of pressurised modules and satellite structures, where maintaining stable conditions for electronic components, sensors, and onboard systems is essential.
Pressurized Modules: What They Are
Pressurized modules are sealed compartments within spacecraft or orbiting stations, designed to maintain pressure, temperature, and atmospheric conditions compatible with human presence or the correct functioning of technologies.
These environments must guarantee a constant thermal balance to protect electronic equipment, life support systems, and, in manned missions, the safety of the astronauts.
Flexible Foil: Operational Stability in Orbit
Space missions require thermal systems that are not only functional but also robust, lightweight, and compliant with the strictest standards. ZIHET flexible foils meet these requirements thanks to:
1. High performance in extreme conditions
Flexible foils ensure homogeneous thermal distribution, avoiding thermal shocks or hot/cold spots on critical structures and equipment.
2. Adaptability to complex geometries
The flexible structure allows for perfect integration on non-standard surfaces, making this technology ideal for pressurized modules, piping, tanks, and curved surfaces.
3. Certified performance and reliability
The production and testing processes followed by Zoppas Industries are certified according to ESA ESCC 4009/002 and 4009/004 standards, a synonym for international quality and compliance for space applications.
4. Versatility of use
These foils are used not only to maintain operating temperatures but also for the thermal balancing of structures, batteries, movement mechanisms, and optical sensors.
A Key Role in ESA’s Euclid Mission and Beyond
ZIHET heating foil technology has had a real impact on major space missions. As an example, in the European Space Agency’s Euclid mission, Zoppas Industries' flexible heaters were used to remove ice layers from the telescope's optical surfaces, preserving image quality and contributing to the scientific performance of the entire mission.
Flexible Foil: The Key Technology for Space Missions
The ZIHET flexible foil is an advanced and proven solution for the thermal control of satellites and pressurized modules, combining lightness, efficiency, adaptability, and compliance with the highest aerospace standards. With decades of experience, a consolidated global presence, and a proven track record of success, Zoppas Industries supports aerospace customers at every stage, from project definition to the production and qualification of solutions.