Germany - Land of Ideas: ElringKlinger drives satellite

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innovations

Dettingen/Erms (euro adhoc) - Germany - Land of Ideas: ElringKlinger
drives satellite

Bietigheim-Bissingen, November 20, 2008 +++ Working in cooperation
with the Institute of Space Systems (ISS) at Stuttgart University,
ElringKlinger Kunststofftechnik GmbH, Bietigheim-Bissingen/Germany,
has developed a method whereby PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) can be
used as a fuel for satellite propulsion systems. In recognition of
this achievement, the company was honored with an innovation prize as
part of the "365 Landmarks in the Land of Ideas" competition.

Friedrich Stähler, Chairman of Deutsche Bank AG's Executive Board for
the Württemberg Region presented the award to Heinrich Schramm,
General Manager of ElringKlinger Kunststofftechnik GmbH, at the
official event held at The Parkhotel in Bietigheim-Bissingen. The
company thus joins an illustrious group of former award-winners
taking part in the nationwide "365 Landmarks in the Land of Ideas"
competition for innovation, which is organized under the patronage of
Germany's Federal President Horst Köhler. To mark the occasion,
keynote speaker Prof. Dr. Ernst Messerschmid presented his thoughts
on the future of space flight.

ElringKlinger Kunststofftechnik has developed a method whereby PTFE -
which is more commonly known as the anti-stick material TEFLON®
(DuPont) - can be deployed as a solid-fuel propellant for satellite
thrusters. Satellites and space probes used for communication
purposes, weather monitoring and scientific experiments in space
require such thrusters for precision attitude control and flightpath
adjustment. The new propellant is highly efficient and can be
apportioned in very small quantities. Displaying excellent fuel
economy, it significantly increases satellites' overall service life.

Lunar mission The newly developed solid fuel is easier to handle and
more robust under space conditions than liquid types of propellant.
In addition, it achieves greater fuel economy compared with
conventional chemical propulsion methods, and given the space
constraints of satellites, lower fuel loads are a significant
advantage. The PTFE-fuelled propulsion systems can be ignited as
often as required. What is more, the plasma, which is accelerated by
means of an electromagnetic field, reaches an exit velocity of more
than 20 kilometers per second. The ISS plans to deploy the new
satellite thrusters during the BW1 (Baden-Württemberg 1) lunar
mission, which is to be launched at the end of this decade. Only
around 50 kg of Teflon® PTFE will be needed for the flight to the
moon. A conventional propulsion system would require at least three
times as much fuel. The first Teflon®/PTFE solid-fuel units are
currently undergoing successful ISS testing in a 1:1 model.
ElringKlinger believes that other international organizations working
within the field of satellite technology will also be interested in
the system.

Teflon® is a registered trademark of E.I. du Pont de Nemours and
Company

end of announcement euro adhoc
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ots Originaltext: ElringKlinger AG
Im Internet recherchierbar: http://www.presseportal.de

Further inquiry note:

Lena Landenberger

Telefon: +49(0)7123 724 631

E-Mail: lena.landenberger@elringklinger.de

Branche: Automotive Equipment
ISIN: DE0007856023
WKN: 785602
Index: CDAX, Classic All Share, Prime All Share
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