Recent data has shown that FEP based Thermal Control materials need much more protection from the LEO environment than originally believed. The combination of AO, VUV, and soft x-rays (from solar flares) deteriorates FEP materials and shortens the useful lifetime of satellite passive thermal control systems. Astral Technology Unlimited, Inc. proposes a thin film coating that will protect FEP materials in LEO ensuring nominal performance throughout the designed lifetime of a spacecraft.
Potential Commercial Applications: The proposed coating has applications for all passive thermal control materials and would be the material of choice for nearly all spacecraft.
