Daniel Domínguez Ochoa-Team Leader Aernnova Engineering Switzerland
12 November 2024
After almost seven years of collaboration with the European Council for Nuclear Research (CERN), a European organization dedicated to particle physics research and located in Geneva, Switzerland, we would like to express our deep appreciation and recognize the efforts of the Aernnova team, which has demonstrated its dedication and ability to meet the scientific and technological challenges of this advanced environment.
This experience has been a fundamental step in applying pioneering technologies in the aerospace industry. Thanks to this collaboration, Aernnova is now better prepared to lead the development of innovative solutions in the aeronautical sector and actively contribute to the evolution of the industry.
CERN, one of the world’s leading scientific research centres, sets the pace in the development and application of cutting-edge technologies, paving the way for new opportunities, including in aerospace. Being part of this, the world’s largest nuclear research laboratory, has enabled the AERNNOVA team to integrate into an environment of constant innovation, working alongside experts across multiple disciplines and developing pioneering projects in superconductivity, cryogenics, and ultra-high vacuum, applied to new generations of magnets (up to 20 Tesla currently in development) and radio frequency chambers for particle acceleration.
CERN is not only a leader in particle physics but also in the development of innovations that have transformed everyday life.
Among the best-known examples are the creation of the World Wide Web in 1989; advances in scanners and MRI technology, which have revolutionised medicine; touchscreens; miniaturised earphones using niobium magnets; and radiation detectors and control systems, essential for security in hospitals and airports.
Over these years, the AERNNOVA team has gained valuable knowledge in high-precision technologies and extreme environments, opening a range of potential applications in the aerospace sector. Superconductivity and cryogenics, fundamental at CERN for creating magnetic fields of up to 11 Tesla to guide particles in accelerators, could enhance efficiency and reduce the weight of electrical systems in aircraft, enabling the development of more compact and powerful motors and generators. Furthermore, the expertise gained in cryogenic design and ultra-high vacuum systems is applicable in creating propulsion and fuel storage systems for harsh environments, such as space.
We’ve also had the opportunity to explore new 3D printing technologies, working with a variety of materials—from plastics to metals, both rigid and flexible—that allow for the production of customised components in remote locations, a crucial capability for space missions.
Beyond the science, this experience at the heart of Europe has given us the chance to discover extraordinary cultures and landscapes, surrounded by mountains, lakes, and historic cities. We have shared unforgettable moments with people from all over the world, like enjoying a hot chocolate after a day on the ski slopes.
This project has undoubtedly been a unique chapter for AERNNOVA, and we are excited about what the future holds for us in the aerospace industry.
