space

MITSUWA’s Technology,
to Space!

Special Coils used in
JAXA’s Mars Exploration Satellite

illustration : akihiro ikeshita」/「(C)JAXAillustration : akihiro ikeshita」/「(C)JAXA

Typically, when one thinks of spiral metal parts, familiar items such as light bulb filaments and springs come to mind. However, in recent years, the application of these coil parts have been advancing in the cutting-edge field of space development.

Special filter (HDAC) that detects water in spaceSpecial filter (HDAC) that detects water in space

MITSUWA's coil parts are installed in a special filter called a Hydrogen Deuterium Absorption Cell (HDAC), which is used to detect the presence of water and, by extension, life in space.

In the process of manufacturing this part, in addition to using standard round wire materials, we also tackled processing with a special flat-shaped material (ribbon material) to expand the surface area of the part and enhance the strength of the installed equipment (hydrogen absorption cell).

Due to its structure, it is challenging to stabilize the shape when winding the ribbon material around a core, and since it involved a different design and processing method from conventional products, the manufacturing process did not come easily. Although there were many difficulties in the production, through repeated diligent adjustments such as machine settings and part positioning, we ultimately achieved a satisfactory coil.

MITSUWA's coil still holds unknown potential, and its application in various new fields is anticipated in the future.

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