The aerospace industry has high requirements for the reliability and extreme environmental tolerance of vacuum systems, and vacuum valves are used in these systems “Core components of gas control and isolation”Widely used in key scenarios such as rocket propulsion systems, spacecraft attitude control, aviation engines, and space vacuum simulation equipment, it needs to adapt to harsh working conditions such as high and low temperatures, strong vibrations, high radiation, and ultra-high vacuum. The following provides a detailed explanation of the core application scenarios, valve types, and technical requirements:

1. Rocket propulsion system

In the liquid rocket engine, attitude control engine, and propellant delivery pipeline of rockets, vacuum valves are responsible for key tasks such as propellant control, cabin pressure relief, engine start stop, etc., which directly affect the success rate of launch.

⑴Liquid rocket engineThe transportation pipelines for oxidants (such as liquid oxygen) and fuels (such as liquid hydrogen and kerosene) need to be equipped withLow temperature vacuum shut-off valveThe material needs to withstand- 253℃(Liquid hydrogen)-183℃Ultra low temperature of liquid oxygen, with zero leakage seal (leakage rate)≤10⁻ ¹² Pa・m³/s）To avoid the risk of explosion caused by propellant leakage. Metal bellows sealing structures are often used, such asInconelAlloy valve body with copper gasket sealing, suitable for mechanical stability at low temperatures.

⑵Propellant storage tankUse of tank pressurization and depressurization processesVacuum safety valveandPneumatic Butterfly ValveThe safety valve needs to accurately control the pressure inside the cabin (set pressure error) ±1%）To prevent the storage tank from rupturing due to excessive pressure; Butterfly valves are used for rapid pressure relief to ensure stable posture during arrow separation.

⑶Attitude control engine: AdoptingMicro electromagnetic vacuum valveSmall volume (diameter)≤20mm）Fast response (millisecond level switch), precise control of small flow propellant injection, achieving rocket attitude adjustment and orbit correction, typically used in the upper stage of launch vehicles and in orbit maneuvering of spacecraft.

2. Spacecraft in orbit operation system

Satellites, space stations, probes, and other spacecraft are in ultra-high vacuum when in orbit（10⁻⁷~10⁻ ¹¹ Pa）Vacuum valves are used for gas control in systems such as life support, energy supply, and scientific experiments in environments with very high temperature differences.

⑴Life support systemIn the oxygen supply and carbon dioxide discharge pipelines of the space station, equipped withVacuum diaphragm valveIt has the characteristics of no particle pollution and high cleanliness, avoiding impurities from affecting the respiratory safety of astronauts; simultaneously passFlow regulating vacuum valveAccurately control the gas exchange rate and maintain stable cabin pressure101.3kPa左右。

⑵Energy and Thermal Control SystemIn the vacuum sealed cabin and thermal control pipeline of the spacecraft solar cell array, it is usedVacuum isolation valveImplement isolation between the cabin and the external vacuum environment to prevent thermal conduction loss; Some deep space probes useHigh temperature vacuum valveTolerate the high temperature during the re-entry of the probe into the atmosphere (>1000℃）Ensure the normal circulation of thermal control fluid.

⑶Scientific experiment payloadIn the space physics and materials science experimental module of the space station, equipped withUltra high vacuum baffle valveandFine tuning needle valveThe former achieves isolation between the experimental chamber and the vacuum system, while the latter precisely controls the amount of experimental gas introduced, adapting to high-precision experimental requirements in microgravity environments.

3.Aircraft engines and onboard equipment

In high-altitude simulation testing of aircraft engines and onboard vacuum systems (such as gyroscopes and navigation equipment), vacuum valves need to withstand high-altitude low pressure, high-speed airflow impact, and frequent start stop conditions.

⑴High altitude simulation test of aircraft engineThe ground test bench needs to simulate a low-pressure environment (pressure) at an altitude of 10000 meters≤10kPa）, usingVacuum gate valveandflow control valveBuild a simulated vacuum system. Gate valves are used to isolate the test section from the pumping system, with a flow conductivity coefficient≥1000 L/sEnsure rapid vacuuming; The flow control valve accurately adjusts the pressure gradient of the simulated environment, restoring the working state of the engine at different heights.

⑵Airborne vacuum equipmentPrecision equipment such as aircraft gyroscopes and aerodynamic instruments rely on a vacuum environment for operation and are equipped withSmall vacuum ball valve, with anti vibration capability (vibration frequency)20~2000Hz）Resistance to impact (impact acceleration)≥50g）The characteristics ensure that the valve state is stable during aircraft takeoff, landing, and turbulence, without affecting equipment accuracy.

4. Aerospace Ground Vacuum Simulation Equipment

The vacuum thermal test and space environment simulation test during the spacecraft development stage require a large ground vacuum chamber to provide an equivalent space environment, and the vacuum valve is the core control component of the simulation system.

⑴Large vacuum chamber isolationBetween the vacuum chamber and the molecular pump/diffusion pump groupUltra large caliber vacuum plug valveThe caliber can reach1~3mWith high flow conductivity and reliable sealing, the cabin can quickly switch from atmospheric pressure to ultra-high vacuum (pumping time)≤2Hour).

⑵Environmental parameter adjustment: ThroughVacuum needle valveandProportional control valveAccurately control the residual gas composition and pressure inside the cabin, and adapt to the requirements of spacecraft material venting tests, thermal vacuum cycling tests, etc; Partial experimental cabin equippedLow temperature vacuum valveIn conjunction with a liquid nitrogen cooling system, simulate a low-temperature vacuum environment in deep space.

Core technical requirements for vacuum valves in the aerospace industry

1.Very environmentally tolerant: Temperature resistance range coverage- 270℃(Liquid helium working condition)~1200℃(re-entry condition), radiation dose resistance≥10⁶ GyAdapt to the space radiation environment of spacecraft in orbit;

2.High reliability and long lifespanIn orbit valves must meet the following requirements 10 Service life of over years, switch life≥10⁶Secondly, the lifespan of ground equipment valves≥10⁴Number of test cycles and probability of failure≤10⁻⁶/Hour;

3.Lightweight and miniaturizationValves carried by spacecraft must be strictly controlled in weight (single valve weight)≤500g）In terms of volume, lightweight and high-strength materials such as titanium alloy and aluminum alloy are used;

4.Pollution free and low emissionThe valve body material needs to have low vapor pressure (such as316LStainless steel and titanium alloy are used for sealing, and fluororubber and metal seals are selected to reduce gas release and avoid contaminating sensitive components of spacecraft.

Hangzhou Yushi Technology Co., LtdFocusing on providing technical services and solutions related to flow, pressure, vacuum detection and control for industrial and scientific research customers, the company acts as an agent and distributor in the United StatesALICAT、 Swiss Vogtlin, American MKS, Japanese EBARA and other brands, combined with their agent products, provide customers with high-quality flow and pressure monitoring solutions, aiming to improve customers' research and production efficiency, improve their manufacturing processes, and promote their scientific research and innovation progress.