On November 5th, 2024, the Romanian experiment DropCoal, developed entirely by Romanian InSpace Engineering (RISE), was launched to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the SpaceX CRS-31 mission from NASA Kennedy Space Center. The project, funded by the European Space Agency (ESA) and proposed by an international team of researchers led by INFLPR, is now fully operational.

What is DropCoal?

DropCoal is an innovative experiment that studies the coalescence and mixing of liquids in microgravity. During the 6-month mission, the device will perform 560 experiments, while a high-speed camera films how two droplets of different liquids form, meet and mix.

The Importance of the experiment

The discoveries from this experiment are of high importance for space exploration, as they help improve methods for administering medication to astronauts and refueling spacecraft.

Capabilities at RISE

The DropCoal project demonstrates the ability of the RISE team to meet complex requirements, combining the multidisciplinary expertise within the company to design, manufacture, launch and operate a space device or mission. The DropCoal device, a true space laboratory, was designed, built and qualified by the RISE team, integrating:

• A high-speed video camera for detailed footage.

• Precise control systems: pumps, motors and circuits for handling liquids.

• Advanced software and a command center at the RISE premises to coordinate the experiments.

Developing DropCoal involved significant challenges: fitting the design within strict volume and mass limits, conducting rigorous tests for vibration resistance and extreme temperatures, and ensuring electromagnetic compatibility. Thanks to a skilled team and effective solutions, RISE successfully overcame these obstacles, qualifying the device to meet ESA and NASA standards.

Performance proven in space

The installation of DropCoal in the ICE Cubes Facility equipment went smoothly, demonstrating the reliability of the device and the strictness of the integration process. On November 15th, DropCoal was powered on for the first time from the RISE command center. The engineers successfully generated the first droplets in microgravity and conducted the initial demonstrative experiments, confirming the functionality of the main blocks of components. DropCoal is now fully operational, as the RISE operators are following the planned procedures to carry out over 500 experiments according to the scenarios outlined by the team of scientific researchers.

About RISE

Romanian InSpace Engineering (RISE) is an aerospace engineering company specialized in developing hardware solutions for space and integrating space technologies into terrestrial applications. With a dedicated team of engineers and researchers, RISE covers the entire development cycle of a space project, from design to operation.

DropCoal is a real proof of the capabilities at RISE, representing a successful project where innovation, precision, and technical excellence have perfectly combined to take Romanian technology to Earth’s orbit.

Space Tech Association in collaboration with City Hall and Local Council of Cluj-Napoca will organize on 05 November 2024, at Technical University of Cluj-Napoca TUCN HUB, George Barițiu no.4, the third edition of “Space Systems Engineering Workshop”.

In this third edition of “Space Systems Engineering Workshop” we aim to bring together 150 professionals from the aerospace sector, with guests from renowned international organizations and national organizations, as well as representatives from the Romanian industrial, academic and research sectors.
The main areas of the presentations will be focused on wireless communications, satellite navigation and positioning systems, artificial intelligence and other types of technologies applied in the aerospace sector.

The expertise brought by professionals in this event will facilitate the understanding and promotion of new technological development trends in the aerospace field, producing synergies between companies, research centers and educational institutions, thus facilitating the process of creating a knowledge-based society and a harmonious socioeconomic cohesion.

The event will be held in an informal technical environment, with the possibility of networking and exchanging ideas with aerospace professionals, entrepreneurs, and possible future business partners.

The workshop schedule will be available closer to the event.

We look forward to seeing you on 05 November 2024, at the third edition of “Space Systems Engineering Workshop”.

Registration is free of charge.

OX Origin is on a mission to rewrite the playbook in high-tech industries such as Space.

With a portfolio of European customers, and applying our 20 years’ worth of combined experience, our goal is to boost innovation and productivity.

We’re doing it, by providing top-notch consulting on design of complex mechanism & structures for commercial satellite systems, and developing novel software solutions for high-tech applications.

Keytek Innovation is a design house capable of ensuring the development, security, and efficiency of custom electronic systems from idea to production, regardless of any challenges that may arise during the process.

At Keytek, we boast extensive experience in High-Density Interconnect (HDI) PCB design, and we utilize cutting-edge 3D Electromagnetic (EM) analysis software and circuit simulation tools to perform signal and power integrity analysis. To shorten the debugging time, ensure product performance, and preemptively address future issues, our design process includes a comprehensive suite of analysis and verification techniques. Ensuring consistency, repeatability, and reproducibility are our primary objectives when validating and verifying various systems.

Emsil designs, manufactures and sells new and retrofitted project based CNC machine tools such as deep hole drilling machines, gantry machines, horizontal boring & milling machines and lathes.

Emsil also manufactures industrial equipment of medium and heavy sized welded structures with machining and final assembly.

A wide range of sectors is being serviced: MGSEs for aerospace, vacuum, energy, oil&gas, metallurgy.

Notable projects in which Emsil contributed: (1) EFF-Dock for European Space Agency (Ariane 6) which is a mechanical ground support system used for precisely positioning the boosters of Ariane 6 rockets ahead of them being assembled together with the payload in the rocket assembly; (2) Fabrication of vacuum chambers for ELI-Hungary (Extreme Light Infrastructure) chambers.

R&D performing SME and one of the leading providers of ICT/IoT solutions and services in the Balkan/Danube region.

Over 5,000 commercial turn-key projects for advanced IT and satellite communications solutions, including EO and GNSS using Copernicus/Galileo.

Over 100 R&D and Innovation projects in various programmes (HORIZON Europe, EUSPA, ESA), including as coordinator.

Founded in 2019, the company offers precise material deposition, high resolution and broad range thermoplastics using Multimaterial 3D printers.

We print soft, flexible, or strong functional objects from the largest range of thermoplastics. We have high resolution with 20 micron layer height.

A small company located in Cluj-Napoca. RobotVision is set up to develop innovative robotic systems, 3D printers, among others, targeting specific customer needs. This is a significant part that differentiates our small company from most of the competition.

We provide reliable, safe, yet affordable, technical solutions and products which are reliable to use in small industry companies, research centers and public institutions.

The main fields of activity of RobotVision from 2018 until now are as follows: (1) Development, testing and implementation of software packages on: robots and peripheral systems for robots (e.g., grippers) and 3D printers; (2) Development, testing and commercialization of industrial 3D printers; (3) Development, testing and implementation of robotic solutions for P&P (Pick and Place) applications; (4) Development, testing and implementation of autonomous mobile robotic solutions; (5) R&D.

Your business goals shape the project scope, we focus our entire attention on the advisory stage to work through the challenges and lay down the strategy for positive tech transformation.

We provide a full-service package, assistance, plan, design, implementation and support technology-powered solutions.

We create intelligent solutions for your individual needs. We put creativity, connections, and curiosity at the heart of everything we do. We are the networking and link-building solution.

Changing the future of technology means thinking differently.

We provide a bridge between project implementation and smart solutions, creating environmental success for all tasks and projects.

Our company is focused on UAVs as new technologies in order to bring added value for different industries: energy infrastructure; construction; GIS applications; agriculture; environment protection.

Our drones are equipped with different type of sensors to collect valuable data for a proper and more efficient approach in maintenance or operational area.

Our main services that relate with the industries mentioned are: aerial thermography for power line inspection, photovoltaic power plants; thermal inspection of buildings or industrial facilities; terrain mapping; NDVI analysis for different types of crops in agriculture and others.