Christof Obertscheider
Christof Obertscheider
Position
Location
Campus 1 Wiener NeustadtJohannes Gutenberg-Straße 3
2700 Wiener Neustadt
Study Programmes / Courses of Studies
Research Activities
ECOCOPV
This project proposes the development of Composite Overwrapped Pressure Vessels (COPVs) with Inconel orHastelloy liners for small satellite propulsion systems, targeting tank volumes of 1-50L, with a 20L baseline forresearch and development (R&D). These COPVs are designed to store gaseous propellants such as nitrous oxide,ethane, methane, oxygen, hydrogen, and helium for both electric and chemical propulsion in small satellites.Traditional COPVs rely on aluminum or titanium liners, which face challenges such as corrosion and limitedcompatibility with aggressive propellants. By employing Inconel or Hastelloy, nickel-based alloys renowned for theirsuperior corrosion resistance, high-temperature strength, and weldability, we aim to enhance reliability andlongevity. The project leverages additive manufacturing to produce the liners, reducing costs and lead times whileenabling complex geometries. Led by FOTEC GmbH (project management and manufacturing), with FHWN (design,simulation, and overwrap development) and Magna Aerospace (testing) as subcontractors, this collaboration willdeliver a cutting-edge propulsion solution. The funding will enable material testing, design optimization, andprototype validation, positioning Austria as a leader in space technology and meeting the growing demand for smallsatellite systems.
CubeSat CLIMB Phase 2
The CubeSat mission CLIMB is the second CubeSat mission of the University of Applied Sciences Wiener Neustadt. Starting from a low Earth orbit, CLIMB will slowly increase its orbit up to 1000 km. The main goal of CLIMB is to reach the inner layer of the Van Allen belt, which starts roughly at an altitude of 1000 km. Measurements of the accumulated radiation dose and the magnetic field will be conducted.
SEESat
“Flight heritage” of electronic components is often very unspecific information. Therefore, we propose the exploration of a particle spectrometer for the assessment of the space mission radiation environment with respect to single event effects. We will design a concept for the particle spectrometer and compare it with existing approaches. We will test the spectrometer concept in a proton radiation environment (MedAustron). This particle dosimeter will enable both traditional and new space to improve and enhance information on “flight heritage”, especially during solar storms, and will contribute to the entire space weather community.
FatAM
The aim of this project, funded by the FFG as part of the COIN program "Aufbau", is to develop R&D expertise for testing additively manufactured metal and composite components in combination with research into the effect of detected defects on their service life. By using machine learning and structural mechanics simulation, a profound IO/NIO assessment of the components can thus be made.
DEEP
The objective of this project, funded by the FFG under the COIN program "Aufbau", is to build R&D competence to expand test and analysis capabilities specifically for small satellite systems (CubeSat).
HILP4D
The project, funded by the Province of Lower Austria, aims to combine the complementary additive, 3-dimensional production processes of laser beam melting and laser powder deposition welding to form a novel production process. In addition to the additive manufacturing of metallic demonstrators, FOTEC is also responsible for the realization of a digital twin.