Benefits

• Customised Type 4 (composite shell with plastic liner) and Type 5 (composite only) tanks for storage and transportation of compressed gas and cryogens.
• Composite tanks are thinner, lighter, safer, stronger and more cost effective than metallic tanks.
• Extends the life of satellites and spacecraft through surgical cooling and orbital refuelling depots.
• Enables green hydrogen supply chain management (storage and transport) for ground applications.

Technology

Onnes are working on Type 4 vessels, featuring a plastic liner with a composite overwrap to make the product highly effective for storing cryogenic propellants. The plastic liner in Type 4 vessels offers superior cryogenic compatibility, particularly with liquid oxygen (LOX) and liquid hydrogen (LH2), minimising the risk of brittleness and leaks. These vessels are significantly lighter due to the composite material, which is crucial for aerospace applications where weight savings enhance efficiency and reduce launch costs. For xenon propellants, used in ion propulsion, Type 4 vessels provide excellent structural integrity while maintaining low mass, making them ideal for long-duration space missions where weight and reliability are critical. In addition, Onnes are developing full stack cryogenic cooling solutions for the fuels stored in the tanks, enhancing the system’s electronic capabilities.

Onnes are hoping to qualify a Type 5 space grade composite tank in the near future.

Potential markets

Onnes is looking to operate predominantly in the Asia Pacific region with a main focus on Indian and Australian markets exploring space, aerospace and green hydrogen projects on the ground. The company is also interested in European and North American markets.

Partnering opportunities

Onnes is looking to partner with space launch companies both in the public and private sectors, partnerships in electric aviation, and green hydrogen ground applications.