The potential application of MgB₂ superconducting magnets in space

The low mass density of magnesium diboride (MgB₂) and its high critical temperature make it the ideal candidate for lightweight liquid hydrogen cooled superconducting magnets that are pivotal for space applications, where the cost per kilo to orbit is still such an expensive barrier. The feasibility of MgB₂ magnets strongly depends on the effect of applied stresses during manufacturing and operational procedures. In this work we introduce our research on mechanical properties of PIT processed wires for magnet applications and for the first time we present results on Ti-sheathed MgB₂ wires. Recently we improved our testing capability with new equipment and tested two coils: the first one was a coil with Fe-sheathed wire and the second one, in order to promote the use of this compound for space activities, uses wires with titanium as a sheath material. These wires show similar results to those sheathed with Fe, at 4 K the critical current density J_c is well above 7 × 10⁵ A/cm². The Ti-sheathed coil is still under testing.