Stress-Matched RF and Thermal Control Coatings for Membrane Antennas

Development of multi-meter diameter radiofrequency (RF) antennas is an area of intense research for NASA and DoD organizations. Polymer membrane technologies offer the greatest promise of meeting future large antenna requirements, while significantly reducing system mass and launch volume. Recent advances in polymer membrane materials must be matched by advances in the COATINGS needed to provide the required RF and thermal performance in a space environment. The proposed research addresses the requirement for developing a COATED polymer material with zero CTE, while exhibiting the appropriate RF and space durable characteristics. The objective is to develop a coating that will cancel the CTE mismatch between the polymer substrate material and the coating itself, resulting in a zero CTE membrane/coating composite. The coated membrane will exhibit the required RF performance, thermal characteristics, and endurance to atomic oxygen (AO), visible and ultra-violet (VUV) radiation, and space temperature extremes. Surface Optics Corp (SOC) will use expertise in RF/thermal coatings together with recent advances in novel processing that allow the tailoring of coating stress. Partner organization NeXolve will provide the polymer films. NeXolve has the ability to engineer unique polymer formulas that provide appropriate surface properties and tailored CTE.

Light-weight, low volume solution for commercial RF antennas (i.e. telecommunications), as well as DoD satellite needs.

Enables thermally stable, large RF apertures. All space missions use RF antennas for down-link communication. Earth Science missions are planned that require large, stable RF apertures for measurement of soil, topography, precipitation, and atmospheric properties. Astronomical sciences envision large aperture telescopes deployed in space for observation at all wavelenghts.

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.

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