← Back to NASA Technology Projects
Completed TRL 4 (started at 2, targeting 4)
On-Orbit UV Cured Hybrid Inflatables (OOUCHI) demonstrates a novel way to achieve a high degree of safety on inflatable structures by using hybrid composite materials cured in- orbit. This will maintain all of the advantages of an inflatable structure, while adding the structural integrity and rigidity of a hard-shelled composite. By using braided fiber preforms (biaxial hybrid sleeves) impregnated with resin designed to cure in Ultraviolet (UV) light on- orbit, it is possible to create a permanently-deployed inflatable with an outer composite shell which possesses much higher strength, rigidity, and damage tolerance than a typical inflatable structure.
The advancement of inflatable space structure technology using UV-curable resins will increase Micro-Meteoroid and Orbital Debris (MMOD) protection and rigidity options for inflatable space structures overall, thereby revolutionizing how NASA conducts its space missions.
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.
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.