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Exploration beyond low earth orbit (LEO) subjects humans and space vehicles/infrastructure to risks such as space radiation exposure, and micrometeorites/orbital debris, the latter of which can prove to be catastrophic. Affordable solutions to mitigate these risks include lightweight solutions such as polymeric self-healing materials, specifically materials capable of high rates of self-healing from high velocity micrometeoroid debris impacts. Current self-healing methodologies were not designed to meet the harsh conditions of space environment. Determining environmental requirements for the inflatable habitat and spacesuit applications. Compile information on potential materials solutions and properties available to determine gaps in relevant data needed to support systems assessment. Identifying the kinds of tests necessary to accept a material solution. Find facilities that can provide the testing to generate missing data to properly evaluate the suitability of the material system for the habitat application.
Self-healing materials display the unique ability to mitigate incipient damage and have built-in capability to substantially recover structural load transferring ability after damage.
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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.
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