A Scottish company has joined the forefront of the global race to secure necessary resources in an increasingly unpredictable world.
The move comes as US authorities pursue a trade deal to lessen China's stranglehold on metallic elements critical to the defence, communications and technology sectors. China's threat to restrict exports of 12 rare earth elements has proven a big bargaining chip in the battle between the world's two largest economies, which have now reportedly agreed a framework for a trade deal that will be discussed when their respective leaders meet later this week.
While relatively few people will be familiar with the materials themselves – yttrium, dysprosium or erbium, for example – virtually everyone uses the computers, television screens, loudspeakers and countless other technologies that rely on these natural resources.
Though not a rare earth, the C103 alloy is a vital component in aerospace propulsion and thus holds a status in the space sector similar to that of rare earths in other parts of the economy. Both Europe and the UK are heavily reliant on US supplies of C103, but a new project under the direction of the European Space Agency (ESA) is aiming to redress that imbalance.
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Earlier this year, Scottish rocket manufacturer Skyrora became the first company in the UK to be granted permission for vertical launches that the company plans to carry out from the SaxaVord spaceport in Shetland. An initial launch is currently expected to take place in the first quarter of next year.
Today the company has also revealed its participation as a prime contractor in the ESA's General Support Technology Programme, an initiative to develop new technologies to meet future space mission needs.
The project aims to validate the production and performance of a new high-temperature metal known as Tanbium for use in rocket engine components and other "extreme environment" applications. It is hoped than Tanbium will be shown to surpass the performance of legacy aerospace materials such as C103 while also localising production for the UK and European industrial sector.
“This project reinforces Skyrora’s commitment to sovereign launch capability and materials innovation," explains Derek Harris, head of business development and communications. "The UK and Europe are currently heavily dependent on the US for C103 alloy, which is used across aerospace propulsion."
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Tanbium has been developed in collaboration with Metalysis, a UK-based leader in bespoke metal powder production, and engineering services specialist Thermo-Calc Solutions.
It has the potential to cut the weight of engine components – in this case nozzles and combustion chambers – by up to 30%, a critical factor in launch capability. Combined with up to 95% less material waste through 3D printing, the cost of engine components could be cut by up to 40%.
"As a European launch vehicle manufacturer, not only will Tanbium align with our long-term vision for sustainable, high-performance space hardware, but it will also contribute to the ESA’s Net Zero Space ambitions," Mr Harris added.
Funded by the ESA, the nine-month project is due to begin imminently and will include 3D printing trials, material validation, mechanical testing, and business case analysis. Skyrora will lead integration using its proprietary Skyprint 1 and 2 platforms for 3D printing at its base in Cumbernauld.
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Skyprint 2 is the largest hybrid 3D printer of its kind in Europe. It and Skyprint 1 are used to make the engines for Skyrora's rockets, cutting production time in half and reducing costs.
Metalysis will supply the alloy powders while Thermo-Calc Solutions will provide alloy design and simulation, using advanced modelling to optimise Tanbium’s chemistry and performance.
"Ultra-high temperature capable materials for rocket motor applications are a key item in the ESA work plans," said Simon Hyde, the agency's technical officer. "This project addresses the challenge in an outstanding way: it combines bespoke alloy design with a unique production approach."
The ESA project comes amid a wider push by the European Union to curb its reliance on critical raw materials from abroad, specifically those from China.
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On Saturday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen criticised Beijing for its expanded restrictions on rare earths as she announced the development of a scheme to counter export curbs. The new RESourceEU plan will be similar to that of the REPowerEU strategy developed to cut reliance on Russian energy after Moscow's 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
“Europe cannot do things the same way anymore," she told conference delegates in Berlin. "We learned this lesson painfully with energy; we will not repeat it with critical materials."
Ms von der Leyen also threatened action that could include the so-called "trade bazooka", known officially at the Anti-Coercion Instrument (ACI).
“We are focusing on finding solutions with our Chinese counterparts," she said, "but we are ready to use all of the instruments in our toolbox to respond if needed."
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The ACI is the EU’s most powerful trade weapon but can cause widespread economic damage if deployed. Investment restrictions, the withdrawal of intellectual property protections, the suspension of trading licences, and sanctions against specific individuals are all possible under the instrument.
It has been impossible to predict the course of global trade relations since Donald Trump's return to the White House, but China has proven prepared and willing to take on what its officials see as aggression on the part of the US administration.
Global markets rallied yesterday on hopes that Thursday's meeting between the US President and Xi Jinping will restore a trade truce between their nations. Perhaps there will be another hiatus but that is not the same thing as stability, and in such times it is wise to pursue greater self-reliance.
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