Evaluation of SPE and GCR Radiation Effects in Space Suit, Inflatable, and Habitable Composite Materials, Year 3

Much needed data is obtained to qualify space suit materials out to 20x duty cycles, and inflatable and composite habitat materials out to 50 years. This project also develops in-house JSC and WSTF capability for testing high performance materials that are difficult to test (for example, Vectran and Spectra) and develops test methods that are sensitive to subtle material property changes caused by radiation exposure. In FY17, we plan on 1) completing testing on the backlog of materials irradiated in FY15-16, 2) publish findings in NASA Investigative Report(s) and external peer-reviewed publication(s), and 3) submit a ready-for-NASA peer review protocol for qualification of materials for space radiation environments. In FY18, we plan on proposing follow-on work to the appropriate NASA directorate (AES, HOEMD, OSMA, or STMD) to further NASA's preeminence in using state-of-the-art materials in space applications requiring resistance to degradation caused by space radiation exposure. This project may also be closely affiliated with FY17-18 Phase 2, STTR T12.03-9881; Ultra Low Air and H2 Permeability Cryogenic Bladder Materials for Inflatable Habitats pending STTR approval.

This study provides risk reduction data to ensure the safety and potentially accelerate the use of lightweight materials and structures in NASA's missions. The materials investigated are used in inflatable and composite habitats and spacesuits. A NASA protocol for qualifying materials for space radiation environments will also be drafted. Over 600 test specimens were irradiated in FY15-16, testing of which will conclude in FY17. Initial results indicate material property changes due to long-term (50-year) SPE and GCR particle radiation exposures. The ramifications of these changes in terms of mission safety and materials technology advancement will determined in FY17.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.