Melanin Coated Aerogels for Radiation Mitigation

Goal: To demonstrate the feasibility of a melanin-saturated, aerogel-based material to act as an ultraviolet radiation shield (UVR) shield by serving as a physical barrier that scatters UV, as well as an absorbent filter to impede radiation penetration. Capability Need/Knowledge Gap: The focus on retuning to space and extraterrestrial exploration has demonstrated that there is a need for advanced adaptive materials for habitat systems, radiation protection, and equipment protection in challenging, harsh environments. The primary objective of this project will be to successfully achieve a higher level of crew health and safety for human space missions to LEO and beyond by providing advanced multi-functional, radiation mitigating materials for in-space facilities and EVA systems. State-of-the-Art/Knowledge: Current technology attempts to address mitigation of both solar radiation and galactic cosmic rays (GCR) by utilizing either increased mass of spacecraft materials or more efficient shielding materials. The use of melanin-coated aerogel composites can provide a combination of properties in one material to combat both UVR and the higher energy particles of GCR’s while still providing structural support. Key Technical Challenges: Reaching necessary concentrations and homogeneity of melanin incorporation due to low density of aerogel backbone. Approach/Research Plan: (1) Optimization study to develop functionalized organic/inorganic aerogels for coating; (2) Develop methods for integration of melanin/dopamine incorporation into aerogels; (3) Analyze, characterize, and down-select from optimal formulations of coated aerogels; and, (4) Perform radiation testing on composite materials with linear accelerator. An optimization study will be performed using a statistical design of experiments to develop formulations based on varying monomer concentration, type of surface functionality, and concentration of reactive sites for melanin adhesion. This will be followed by experimentation involving two-step synthesis whereby melanin monomer solution is diffused into gel to react with available sites on backbone, etc., then Melanin engineered particles incorporated as particulates, using the aerogel as a porous host system. Melanin/aerogel properties would then be analyzed and down-select optimal formulations, and performance radiation testing will be conducted on composite materials using a linear accelerator available a Plumbrook. Next Step: The biomimetic aspects of this technique can be transferred to In Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) capabilities for extraterrestrial habitation and reduced health risk to extend and sustain human presence and activities in space.

Missions such as the NEO/Near-Earth Asteroid (NEA), the Artemis Program, and Lunar Orbital Platform-Gateway (LOP-G), will require materials designed to interface with extreme environments focusing on crew health and well-being. This approach is an unproven novel concept and so differs from any current radiation protection systems. However, the current technology of adding fillers and surface decorating the aerogel backbone may be useful for incorporation of sensors or dust mitigation for future applications.

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.