Swiss engineers design phononic-crystal adapter to protect satellites from launch vibrations

Researchers at Empa and Beyond Gravity built a payload adapter using phononic crystals that converts vertical launch shocks into rotational motion in movable aluminum rings. The system has passed simulations and bench tests, reaching TRL 4–5, and a patent has been filed.

• Phononic-crystal adapter dampens longitudinal vibrations during rocket launch
• Shock energy is redirected into rotation of movable aluminum rings
• System passed simulations and bench tests, reaching TRL 4–5
• Beyond Gravity has filed a patent on the design