Light-Curing Structural Tape for In-Space Repair, Phase II

NASA has numerous requirements for in-space repair capabilities to aid future missions beyond earth orbit. A subset of these requirements is adhesive patch materials that provide permanent or temporary repair of a wide variety of surfaces with minimal surface preparation and that can operate in the space environment. This work will result in the production of a repair kit for in-space applications that forms structural composite patches rapidly and safely with low power. The proposed kit will consist of glass fabric impregnated with a UV light-curing resin stored in a protective dispenser. Cure will be accomplished using a portable, robust light-emitting diode (LED) array. Surface cleaning materials may also be included in the kit. The proposed material will adhere to a variety of surfaces and cure under a variety of environmental conditions including vacuum. Such a repair kit will provide a versatile repair technology for a wide variety of applications, which eliminates having redundant repair approaches in many cases. This work will extend the knowledge base previously attained with the development of similar light-curing materials for rigidization of inflatable spacecraft. That prior work will greatly benefit the development of the proposed repair kit and reduce programmatic risk.

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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