Astral Technology Unlimited, Inc. (ATU) proposes to deposit, onto fluorinated-ethylene-propylene (FEP) thermal control materials, a slightly conductive metal oxide thin film that absorbs soft x-rays and resists atomic oxygen (A.O.) attack. ATU will also deposit the metal oxide film with a PTFE fluoropolymer filling to make the film more flexible and extensible. The protective coating is nonflammable, non-toxic, has low off gassing characteristics, and should prove stable in the synergistic effects of the natural space environment. The coating will attenuate x-rays of ten angstroms or longer, greatly reduce the effects of A.O. combined with VUV radiation, and prevent electro-static discharge (ESD) when grounded. This protective coating will ensure nominal optical and physical properties throughout the life of a spacecraft and allow the continued use of FEP Teflon for high performance radiator surfaces, solar concentrator power generation, and general spacecraft thermal control surfaces.
Potential Commercial Applications: Commercial Low Earth Orbit spacecraft systems involving hundreds of spacecraft for various types of communication are either in the fabrication process or are being planned over the next 5 to 10 years. The thin film coating proposed in this Phase I SBIR would allow the continued use of FEP Teflon For Thermal Control and Solar Concentrators without performance degradation over the life of the spacecraft.
