A system and method for vaporizing space debris in space. The system includes a spacecraft body, a primary solar concentrator mounted to the spacecraft body that collects and focuses solar flux from the sun, and a secondary solar concentrator positioned at a focal point of the primary solar concentrator that refocuses the focused solar flux. A manipulator arm coupled to the spacecraft body grabs the space debris in space and positions it at a location where the refocused solar flux vaporizes the debris. The secondary solar concentrator can be a point-source concentrator, the primary solar concentrator can be a parabolic mirror, a Fresnel lens or a light focusing element or assembly, and the space debris can be a retired spacecraft or launch vehicle upper stage or component.

A system and method for vaporizing space debris in space. The system includes a spacecraft body, a primary solar concentrator mounted to the spacecraft body that collects and focuses solar flux from the sun, and a secondary solar concentrator positioned at a focal point of the primary solar concentrator that refocuses the focused solar flux. A manipulator arm coupled to the spacecraft body grabs the space debris in space and positions it at a location where the refocused solar flux vaporizes the debris. The secondary solar concentrator can be a point-source concentrator, the primary solar concentrator can be a parabolic mirror, a Fresnel lens or a light focusing element or assembly, and the space debris can be a retired spacecraft or launch vehicle upper stage or component.

The present invention relates to an arrangement for low-pressure casting of refractory metals, with a furnace chamber with one or a plurality of gas supply openings (6) and gas outlet openings (7), and a riser pipe (8) through a cover (5) of the furnace chamber, a melting container (3, 12) for the refractory metals arranged in the furnace chamber, and a heating device for heating the refractory metals in the melting container (3, 12). In the proposed arrangement, the melting container (3, 12) is formed as an exchangeable insert for a receiving mould (2) supporting the melting container (3, 12), which is arranged in the furnace chamber, wherein a thermally insulating layer (4, 17) is formed between the receiving mould (2) and the melting container (3, 12), or is integrated into the melting container (3, 12). With the proposed arrangement, a quick and easy exchange of the melting container for different alloys can also be carried out in the low-pressure casting of refractory metals.

A synthesis method for producing a refractory oxide-ceramic material of CaZrO.sub.3, in particular in the form of a refractory granular material that is preferably mechanically comminuted, in particular crushed and/or ground, as well as to a batch and a coarse ceramic, shaped or unshaped, refractory product containing at least one pre-synthesized refractory calcium zirconate-containing granular material.

A metal-powder producing apparatus includes a spray chamber, and a plurality of spray nozzles that liquid-spray a melted metal into the spray chamber. Each of the plurality of spray nozzles includes: a liquid nozzle that allows the melted metal to flow down into the spray chamber; and a gas-jet nozzle that has a plurality of gas-jet holes arranged around the liquid nozzle and causing a gas fluid to collide with the melted metal having flowed down from the liquid nozzle.

A metal-powder producing apparatus includes a spray chamber, and a plurality of spray nozzles that liquid-spray a melted metal into the spray chamber. Each of the plurality of spray nozzles includes: a liquid nozzle that allows the melted metal to flow down into the spray chamber; and a gas-jet nozzle that has a plurality of gas-jet holes arranged around the liquid nozzle and causing a gas fluid to collide with the melted metal having flowed down from the liquid nozzle.

A remotely controllable sublimation apparatus that includes a crucible block adapted to retain a crucible containing a solid mixture comprising one or more radionuclides, a first heating block comprising one or more first heating elements configured to selectively generate heat having a first temperature sufficient to at least partially sublime the solid mixture, and a collection vessel coupled to the first heating block. The crucible block is movable, relative to the first heating block, between an open position and a closed positon. When the crucible block is in the closed position, the one or more first heating elements are configured to heat the crucible block to the first temperature, thereby heating the solid mixture and producing a vapor that is collected by the collection vessel and leaving a solid residue in the crucible that substantially consists only of the one or more radionuclides.

A remotely controllable sublimation apparatus that includes a crucible block adapted to retain a crucible containing a solid mixture comprising one or more radionuclides, a first heating block comprising one or more first heating elements configured to selectively generate heat having a first temperature sufficient to at least partially sublime the solid mixture, and a collection vessel coupled to the first heating block. The crucible block is movable, relative to the first heating block, between an open position and a closed positon. When the crucible block is in the closed position, the one or more first heating elements are configured to heat the crucible block to the first temperature, thereby heating the solid mixture and producing a vapor that is collected by the collection vessel and leaving a solid residue in the crucible that substantially consists only of the one or more radionuclides.

A vaporizer includes an outer tube configured to receive a flow of heated gas and an inner tube disposed at least partially within the outer tube. The inner tube is spaced apart from the outer tube such that the flow of heated gas is channeled through an annular space therebetween. The vaporizer also includes a crucible disposed at least partially within the inner tube. The crucible is extendable and retractable relative to the inner tube and within the outer tube. The crucible is configured to hold a molten metal such that a surface area of the molten metal exposed to the flow of heated gas is adjustable based on the position of the crucible relative to the inner tube. A heater is configured to vaporize the molten material and the vapor mixes with the flow of heated gas.

A vaporizer includes an outer tube configured to receive a flow of heated gas and an inner tube disposed at least partially within the outer tube. The inner tube is spaced apart from the outer tube such that the flow of heated gas is channeled through an annular space therebetween. The vaporizer also includes a crucible disposed at least partially within the inner tube. The crucible is extendable and retractable relative to the inner tube and within the outer tube. The crucible is configured to hold a molten metal such that a surface area of the molten metal exposed to the flow of heated gas is adjustable based on the position of the crucible relative to the inner tube. A heater is configured to vaporize the molten material and the vapor mixes with the flow of heated gas.