NEXOLVE HOLDING CO LLC — National Aeronautics and Space Administration SBIR Phase I: Z4

Description

<p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in">Thin-film polymers are used in many spacecraft applications including multi-layer insulation and sunshields for thermal control, lightweight structural members in solar array blankets, inflatable/deployable structures, solar sail material for propulsion, as well as flexible solar array backplanes.&nbsp; Materials on exterior spacecraft surfaces are subjected to a very harsh environment composed of photon and charged particle radiation, thermal cycling, impacts from Micro-Meteoroid and Orbital Debris (MMOD), and Atomic Oxygen (AO).&nbsp; Many applications that could benefit from using a thin polymer film are restricted from use due to the fact that many currently available materials do not meet durability or packaging requirements.&nbsp; A modification of NeXolve&rsquo;s AO-resistant CORIN&reg; XLS polyimide is proposed that would improve orbit lifetime and provide lightweight and high packaging efficiency alternatives for use in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and MMOD-prone applications.&nbsp; Modifications would incorporate a flexible matrix into the inherently UV, VUV, and AO resistant material CORIN&reg; XLS polyimide. This will significantly increase material flexibility and tear resistance at thicknesses less than 25 microns and eliminate the need for external protective coatings.&nbsp; Testing and verification using the MISSE-FF materials test platform will provide critical data to ensure survivability and performance of passive samples in the space environment advancing the TRL to level 5. &nbsp;In phase II, CORIN&reg; XLS composite material will be used to fabricate a deployable system with solar cells that can be monitored in flight. &nbsp;&nbsp;The phase II activity will result in flight qualification of the material for use in future NASA applications and advance the TRL to level 7.</p><p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in">&nbsp;</p>