Properties of MgB2 superconductors with regard to space applications

Thin MgB2 conductors with diameters down to 50 mu m have been developed for application as current leads on a satellite and as LH2 level sensor. The high transition temperature of 39 K makes applications of MgB2 at temperatures around 20 K possible, significantly above the temperature margin of low temperature superconductors like NbTi or Nb3Sn. The absence of weak link behaviour and the fact that there is no need to texture MgB2 to obtain high critical current densities is a crucial advantage compared to high temperature superconductors. We give an overview of the current status of MgB2 conductor development and show the potential of these wires for space applications. (C) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.